1960s

Inventions

CultureValues

Fashion

1960: The halogen lamp invented. The Laser. Etch A Sketch. Weather Satellite.

1961: Valium invented. The nondairy creamer invented. Cochlear Implants. Human Spaceflight.

1962: The audio cassette invented. The fiber-tip pen invented by Yukio Horie. Spacewar, the first computer video game invented. Dow Corp invents silicone breast implants. The LED. Space Observatories.

1963: The video disk invented. Zip Codes. Pull Tab for soda cans. Easy-Bake Oven. Astro Lamp

1964: Acrylic paint invented. Permanent-press fabric invented. BASIC (an early computer language) is invented by John George Kemeny and Tom Kurtz.

1965: Astroturf invented. Soft contact lenses invented. NutraSweet invented. The compact disk invented by James Russell. Kevlar invented by Stephanie Louise Kwolek. Smoke detector for home use.

1966: Electronic Fuel injection for cars invented. Fiber Optics.

1967: The first handheld calculator invented. Countertop microwave oven. Heart Transplant.

1968: The computer mouse invented by Douglas Engelbart. The first computer with integrated circuits made. Robert Dennard invented RAM (random access memory). The First Manned Lunar Orbit.

1969: The arpanet (first internet) invented. The artificial heart invented. The ATM invented. The bar-code scanner is invented. The Single-Chip Microprocessor. Man Lands on the Moon.

Counterculture movement went against pre-established ideals and claimed that America’s institutions, even those founded on lofty ideals, had become props for a morally bankrupt society.

Movements: Civil Rights (On December 5, the Supreme Court hands down a 7-2 decision in the Boynton v. Virginia case, ruling that segregation on vehicles traveling between states is unlawful because it violates the Interstate Commerce Act. On May 14, Freedom Riders, now traveling in two separate groups, are attacked outside Anniston, Alabama and in Birmingham, Alabama. A mob throws a firebomb onto the bus that the group outside Anniston is riding. Members of the Ku Klux Klan attack the second group in Birmingham after making an arrangement with the local police to allow them 15 minutes alone with the bus.On September 10, the Supreme Court rules that the University of Mississippi must admit African-American student and veteran James Meredith. On April 16, King writes his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" in which he responds to eight white Alabama ministers who urged him to end the protests and be patient with the judicial process of overturning segregation. On August 28, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is held in D.C. Around 250,000 people participate, and King delivers his legendary "I have a dream" speech. On June 24, Malcolm founds the Organization of Afro-American Unity along with John Henrik Clarke. Its aim is to unite all Americans of African descent against discrimination. On July 2, Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination in employment and in public places. March 7 1965 (Selma, Ala.) Blacks begin a march to Montgomery in support of voting rights but are stopped at the Pettus Bridge by a police blockade. Fifty marchers are hospitalized after police use tear gas, whips, and clubs against them. The incident is dubbed "Bloody Sunday" by the media. The march is considered the catalyst for pushing through the voting rights act five months later. Aug. 10 1965 Congress passes the Voting Rights Act of 1965, making it easier for Southern blacks to register to vote. Literacy tests, poll taxes, and other such requirements that were used to restrict black voting are made illegal.

Sept. 24, 1965 Asserting that civil rights laws alone are not enough to remedy discrimination, President Johnson issues Executive Order 11246, which enforces affirmative action for the first time. It requires government contractors to "take affirmative action" toward prospective minority employees in all aspects of hiring and employment. June 12 1967 In Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court rules that prohibiting interracial marriage is unconstitutional. Sixteen states that still banned interracial marriage at the time are forced to revise their laws. April 4 1968 (Memphis, Tenn.) Martin Luther King, at age 39, is shot as he stands on the balcony outside his hotel room. Escaped convict and committed racist James Earl Ray is convicted of the crime. April 11 1968 President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.) Women's Rights (1961 President John Kennedy establishes the President's Commission on the Status of Women and appoints Eleanor Roosevelt as chairwoman. The report issued by the Commission in 1963 documents substantial discrimination against women in the workplace and makes specific recommendations for improvement, including fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave, and affordable child care. 1963 Betty Friedan publishes her highly influential book The Feminine Mystique, which describes the dissatisfaction felt by middle-class American housewives with the narrow role imposed on them by society. The book becomes a best-seller and galvanizes the modern women's rights movement. June 10 1963 Congress passes the Equal Pay Act, making it illegal for employers to pay a woman less than what a man would receive for the same job. 1964 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act bars discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex. At the same time it establishes the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate complaints and impose penalties. 1966 The National Organization for Women (NOW) is founded by a group of feminists including Betty Friedan. The largest women's rights group in the U.S., NOW seeks to end sexual discrimination, especially in the workplace, by means of legislative lobbying, litigation, and public demonstrations. 1967 Executive Order 11375 expands President Lyndon Johnson's affirmative action policy of 1965 to cover discrimination based on gender. As a result, federal agencies and contractors must take active measures to ensure that women as well as minorities enjoy the same educational and employment opportunities as white males. 1968 The EEOC rules that sex-segregated help wanted ads in newspapers are illegal. This ruling is upheld in 1973 by the Supreme Court, opening the way for women to apply for higher-paying jobs hitherto open only to men. 1969 California becomes the first state to adopt a "no fault" divorce law, which allows couples to divorce by mutual consent. By 1985 every state has adopted a similar law. Laws are also passed regarding the equal division of common property.) Native American Rights (March 6, 1968, Johnson signed Executive Order 11399, establishing the National Council on Indian Opportunity (NCIO).) Latino Rights (1963 Miami's Coral Way Elementary School offers the nation's first bilingual education program in public schools. 1965 Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta found the United Farm Workers association, in Delano, Calif., which becomes the largest and most important farm worker union in the nation. Huerta becomes the first woman to lead such a union. Under their leadership, the UFW joins a strike started by Filipino grape pickers in Delano. The Grape Boycott becomes one of the most significant social justice movements for farm workers in the United States. 1965 Luis Valdez founds the world-famous El Teatro Campesino, the first farm worker theatre, in Delano, Calif. Actors entertain and educate farm workers about their rights. 1968 Latino high school students in Los Angeles stage citywide walkouts protesting unequal treatment by the school district. Prior to the walkouts, Latino students were routinely punished for speaking Spanish on school property, not allowed to use the bathroom during lunch, and actively discouraged from going to college. Walkout participants are subjected to police brutality and public ridicule; 13 are arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and conspiracy. However, the walkouts eventually result in school reform and an increased college enrollment among Latino youth. 1968 The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund opens its doors, becoming the first legal fund to pursue protection of the civil rights of Mexican Americans. 1969 Faced with slum housing, inadequate schools and rising unemployment, Puerto Rican youth in Chicago form the Young Lords Organization, inspired in part by the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. An outgrowth of the Young Lords street gang, the YLO becomes a vibrant community organization, creating free breakfast programs for kids and community health clinics. Modeled after the Black Panthers, the YLO uses direct action and political education to bring public attention to issues affecting their community. The group later spreads to New York City.) Disabled Rights (1961: First Accessibility Standard Published, The American Standards Association, later known as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), publishes the first accessibility standard titled, Making Buildings Accessible to and Usable by the Physically Handicapped. Forty-nine states adapt accessibility legislation by 1973. 1962: Ed Roberts Fights for Admission to University Ed Roberts, a young man with polio, enrolls at the University of California, Berkeley. After his admission is rejected, he fights to get the decision overturned. He becomes the father of the Independent Living Movement and helps establish the first Center for Independent Living (CIL).

1963: Federal Funding Set Aside for Disability Infrastructure Support The Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 passes. The act sets aside money for developing State Developmental Disabilities Councils, Protection and Advocacy Systems, and University Centers. In 1984 it is renamed the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. 1964: Civil Rights Bill Bypasses Persons with Disabilities The Civil Rights Act is passed. While this act helps end discrimination against African Americans and women in the workplace, it does not make any provision for people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities still lack opportunities to participate in and be contributing members of society, are denied access to employment, and are discriminated against based on disability. 1965: Medicaid Help for Low-Income and Disabled Title XIX (19) of the Social Security Act creates a cooperative federal/state entitlement program, known as Medicaid, that pays medical costs for certain individuals with disabilities and families with low incomes. 1968: First International Special Olympics Games Eunice Kennedy Shriver founds the Special Olympics in 1962 to provide athletic training and competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. The organization grows into an international program enabling more than one million young people and adults to participate in 23 Olympic-type sports events each year. The first International Special Olympics Games are held in Chicago, Illinois in 1968. 1968: Act Requires Accessible Buildings The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 mandates the removal of what is perceived to be the most significant obstacle to employment for people with disabilities—the physical design of the buildings and facilities on the job. The act requires that all buildings designed, constructed, altered, or leased with federal funds to be made accessible.) LGBT Rights (January 1, 1962 Illinois repeals its sodomy laws, becoming the first U.S. state to decriminalize homosexuality. July 4, 1965 At Independence Hall in Philadelphia, picketers begin staging the first Reminder Day to call public attention to the lack of civil rights for LGBT people. April 21, 1966 Members of the Mattachine Society stage a "sip-in" at the Julius Bar in Greenwich Village, where the New York Liquor Authority prohibits serving gay patrons in bars on the basis that homosexuals are "disorderly." Society president Dick Leitsch and other members announce their homosexuality and are immediately refused service. Following the sip-in, the Mattachine Society will sue the New York Liquor Authority. Although no laws are overturned, the New York City Commission on Human Rights declares that homosexuals have the right to be served. August, 1966 After transgender customers become raucous in a 24-hour San Francisco cafeteria, management calls police. When a police officer manhandles one of the patrons, she throws coffee in his face and a riot ensues, eventually spilling out onto the street, destroying police and public property.

Following the riot, activists established the National Transsexual Counseling Unit, the first peer-run support and advocacy organization in the world. June 28, 1969 Patrons of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village riot when police officers attempt to raid the popular gay bar around 1am. Since its establishment in 1967, the bar had been frequently raided by police officers trying to clean up the neighborhood of "sexual deviants." Angry gay youth clash with aggressive police officers in the streets, leading to a three-day riot during which thousands of protestors receive only minimal local news coverage. Nonetheless, the event will be credited with reigniting the fire behind America's modern LGBT rights movement.

Early 60's were more conservative and gradually changed into the more popularly recognized hippie-esque fashion of the late 60s.

1961: "little nothing" dresses- sleeveless, slim, low blousing or in a loose chemise shape recalling the flapper dresses of the 1920s. Longer skirts, wider shoulders, accompanied by a gentle inward curve at the midriff and a flare at the hem. Beehive coiffures, and bouffant hairdos. High rounded hat and the low, square-toed shoe were the accessories of choice.

1962: Shoulders were widened and the bosom received more attention. The waist was always accompanied by a belt, sash or wide inset bias band. Costumes dominated evening wear, complete with matching jacket or wrap. Later in the season the long, tweed dinner coat was showcased in several high-fashion collections.

1963: The young look came into style; included knee-high skirts, sleeveless dresses, lower heels and close-cropped, natural hair, tweeds, mohair, leather and furs, boots ranged from ankle to thigh-high. Vests, kerchiefs, textured cotton stockings, turtlenecks and paisley ascot scarves all came together to create a “sportive look.” The most drastic change in men’s fashion in 1963 was the widespread acceptance of pleatless pants. Stripes were seen on sports jackets, sweaters, shirts and ties. The three-button suit was the most popular, but the two-button suit was gaining fast. Men of means liked a soft Italian-style shoe.

1964: Deeply plunging necklines, sheer-topped evening dresses with only the flimsiest layer of flesh-colored net used for a bodice, topless bathing suit were intro duced with much controversy. “Feminine” was the word for 1964′s fashion. It referred to swinging, knee-high skirts, fitted bodices, ruffles, pleats, a lace revival and the return of the hair bow as the coiffure accessory. Pale lipsticks and nail polish replaced the vivid shades for the sought after natural look. Hair was no longer curly, but merely waved to follow the contour of the head. Eyebrow brushing bangs became the trademark of the young, along with hair bows work front, rear and off-center. For men, the accent was on youthful appearance. Suit colors were lighter and brighter. Suit coats and sport jackets were shorter, with wider lapels. Trousers were often uncuffed. A wider stripe appeared on shirts and striped were popular in sweaters.

1965: Women dressed to match Op Art paintings, with their stripes, checks and wavy line prints. Dressed were divided geometrically by intersecting bands and brightened by contrasting blocks of color. Rounded toed shoes became more prominent. Straps were evident, heels were open, sides were pared down to add to the look of leggy young elegance. Heels continued in the low to medium height range. "Poor Boy" look came into style, low hipster pants in combination with the “poor boy” sweater

1966: Mod look came into style with mini skirts and pale colored fishnet or lacy textured hosiery, cut-out low heeled “little girl” shoes, mannish jackets, and ties. Accessories included over-the-shoulder handbags and gaudy jewelry, which ranged from antique pins to modern styled geometric earrings. Young men also went Mod via low slung, wide belted, skinny, fitted pants, to which they added extra-wide, flashy printed ties that contrasted with the wallpaper floral prints of their shirts. Boots, vests, London caps and narrow Carnaby jackets were also worn by the young men who took part in the rebellion against traditional men’s clothes and conservative ways. Women borrowed suit styles from men. They wore straight legged pant suits, often of what was traditionally men’s fabrics, for daywear. Pant suits were an acceptable means of fashion and were worn everywhere.

1967: Short skirts worn higher above the knee, colored and patterned hose, peekaboo fishnets, spidery weaves and lace, also women used high boots as a fashionable way to cover up their legs, they also wore shiny black and brown boots that stretched to the knees. Accessories consisting of metal squares, nailheads, rattling chains, zippers, brass buttons, clamps were something new. The chain belt was another important accessory. In men’s fashion, turtleneck sweaters were an important trend, eliminating the need for a tie.

1968: Accessories dominated the outfit, often times overpowering the clothes in importance. Western-type shirts were very popular with the younger crowd. Women would tuck them into Dirndl skirts. The most colorful, loud and expressive trends evolved from the outfits scavenged from thrift stores by hippies, gaucho pants, meditation shirts and, especially, vests. Pants were getting wider legs and softer. Male fashions in 1968 reflected the growing tendency to mix and match a wide variety of materials, styles and accessories. Men wore turtlenecks, Nehru jackets jeweled pendants, flower-splashed resort blazers and P.J. jeans.

1969: Women wore softer, clingier clothes. Sweaters and sweater dresses now hugged every part of the figure, particularly around the ribs, waist and hips. There was more of a variety in hemlines. The long, lean line was the trend in 1969; elongation was accomplished by extended skirts, long, straight-cut pants or, if one had long legs, they were accentuated by sheer dark tights. Slender tunics, skinny long sleeves, low-rise pockets and belts, hip-hiding weskits and body-length cardigans helped fight a top-heavy look. Accessories flourished in fantasy, especially with young people. They couldn’t afford diamonds, so they enjoyed linked metals, chainbelts, tassels, snake rings, snake bracelets and arm bracelets. Because women were becoming more traditionally masculine (wearing pants) and men were becoming more traditionally feminine (wearing bronzing gels and moisturizers), the term “unisex” was coined for fashion styles that both men and women could enjoy equally.

1960s

By: Hannah Felts

Music

Economy

Politics

Government spending increased approximately 3 percent per year to fund social welfare programs (Medicare and Medicaid, money appropriated to improve public education the Office of Economic Opportunity created under the Johnson administration to organize community programs and provide job training to the poor) and the Vietnam War. This resulted in low unemployment rates and a stable economy. A combination of economic expansion, low inflation rates and an interest in private investment resulted in a growing stock market in the 1960s. In fact, during the early 1960s, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose an average of 18.4 percent for three consecutive years. The stock market peaked in February 1966 before dropping 25 percent by the end of the year. However, the market recovered and stabilized in 1968, partially due to inflation rates remaining at 1 to 2 percent.

Tax rates: 22%-89%

Unemployment rates: 3.5-6.7

Before 1963, the music of the sixties still reflected the sound, style and beliefs of the previous decade. After 1963 the style of popular music was influenced and changed. The "British Invasion" is the name given to the period of time in the early to mid-1960's, during which many British rock bands and pop artists found mainstream success in the United States and worldwide. As these bands gained popularity, many of them ventured into new music territory and created their own unique styles. The one band that comes to mind when speaking of the British Invasion is The Beatles, who first broke into the US music scene in 1963, but really became popular in 1964. Some other notable British Invasion acts include The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Who, Herman's Hermits, Tom Jones, and Donovan

The "Motown Sound" and popular R&B music had a major significance in terms of the Civil Rights movement and integration in American society during the sixties. Motown started as a Detroit-based record label in the late fifties and early sixties, but it quickly turned into much more as the acts gained popularity worldwide. Motown records consisted mainly of African-American groups, singers, songwriters and management. Some of the popular Motown and 60's R&B artists include Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and the Jackson Five.

Surf rock began in Southern California as a type of dance music that was mostly instrumental and it became quite popular in the early to mid sixties, until the British Invasion took over the music scene. The subject matter for surf rock was quite literally surfing, however, that expanded as the genre grew in popularity to songs about girls, cars and general teenage antics. Some of thr important surf rock acts include the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Ventures and The Champs.

Psychedelic rock was popular during the latter half of the 1960s and reached its peak at the end of the decade. Psychedelic music was associated with the hippie counter-culture and hallucinogenic drug use. The lyrics were often strange and made reference to drugs and bands would often use instruments that were not usual, like the sitar, tabla, harpsichord and organ. There was much experimentation in the sound and much of it was influenced by Eastern and Indian music. Many popular rock bands experimented with this genre, including The Beatles, The Doors, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jefferson Airplane, Cream, Pink Floyd, and The Yardbirds.

Roots rock emerged in the mid to late 1960s as a combination of several genres and subgenres of rock music that were popular at the time. Roots rock combined elements of folk music, blues, country and rock 'n' roll. Some of the bands that created music in the style of this broad genre included The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Beatles, The Band, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Hard rock took the elements of rock 'n' roll and made them heavier as the genre formed in the middle of the decade. The sound is characterized by more aggressive tones and delivery. Hard rock vocalists are identified by their higher range and distinct and often raspy voices. The music was influenced heavily by blues rock, garage rock, and rhythm and blues. Notable hard rock bands form the 1960s include The Who, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and Steppenwolf.

Folk rock came onto the scene as a popular genre in the mid-sixties and much of it grew out of the protest movements that were active during those turbulent times. This genre was characterized by its melodic sound and did not necessarily have to connect to the protest movements at the time, although lyrically a lot of the folk rock contained protest messages.

Recreation/Leisure

Presidents: John F. Kennedy- 1961-1963, Lyndon B. Johnson- 1963-1969, Richard M. Nixon- 1969-1974

Scandals: Thomas F. Johnson (D-MD) In 1962, he was indicted on charges of members of Maryland's S&L industry bribing him and lost his seat. Later was convicted of conspiracy and conflict of interest in 1968, served 31⁄2 months of a 6-month sentence and was fined $5,000. Frank Boykin (D-AL) Was placed on six months' probation in 1963 following conviction in a case involving a conflict of interest and conspiracy to defraud the government. His prison sentence was suspended on age and health grounds and was fined $40,000 total. Abe Fortas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice (D): resigned when he was discovered to be a paid consultant to a convicted criminal. No charges were ever filed. (1969). Thomas J. Dodd, Senator (D-CT): Censured by the Senate for financial misconduct (1967) Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (D-NY): was expelled from Congress but won the special election as his own replacement (1967) Daniel Brewster (D-MD) Senator pleaded no contest to accepting an illegal gratuity in 1975 and fined $10,000. Brewster was convicted in 1972 of accepting $14,500 from a lobbyist, and got a six-year term in 1973 over the conviction, but the conviction was overturned on grounds of unclear jury instructions. Lawrence J. Smith (D-FL) On August 3, 1993, Congressman Smith pled guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of filing false campaign reports. He was sentenced to three months in prison. James Fred Hastings (R-NY) was a delegate to the 1968 Republican National Convention and the 1972 Republican National Convention. He was elected to Congress in 1968 and served from January 3, 1969, until he resigned on January 20, 1976 after being convicted of kickbacks and mail fraud. He served 14 months at Allenwood penitentiary (1976) Bobby Baker, (D) Secretary to the Majority Leader of the Senate (the vice-president then serving) and adviser to President Lyndon B. Johnson: resigned after charges of favoritism. (1963).

Wars: Laotian Civil War (1953-1975) lost, Vietnam War (1955-1975) lost, Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961) lost, Dominican Civil War (1965) won, American occupation of the Dominican Republic (1965–1966) won, Korean DMZ Conflict (1966–1969) won, Ñancahuazú Guerrilla War(1966-1967) won, Cambodian Civil War (1967-1975) lost,

Popular TV Shows: The Andy Griffith Show, The Price is Right, Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Lucy Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, Bewitched, Batman, Hogan’s Heroes, The Red Skelton Show, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, The Addams Family, Star Trek, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Gilligan's Island, Sesame Street, Doctor Who.

Popular Movies: Psycho, Spartacus, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Great Escape, The Birds, My Fair Lady, Goldfinger, The Sound of Music, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Batman, Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Rosemary’s Baby, 2001: A Space Odyssey, True Grit.

Sports Events: 1964 Olympic Games- Hosted in Japan (first Asian Country to host), 25 world records were broken and 52 of 61 possible Olympic records were also broken. 9th Winter Games were help in Innsbruck, Austria from January 29 through February 9, Russia led all other nations by a wide margin. The 1966 World Cup hosted by England, England won.

Food: New Franchises/Brands- Granny Smith apples,Domino's Pizza, Sprite, Coffee-Mate, Hardee's (fast food chain), Taco Bell, Pop Tarts, Buffalo Wings, Ruffles potato chips, Lucky Charms, Bugles, Yoplait Yogurt, Shake 'n Bake, Cool Whip, Apple Jacks, SpaghettiOs, Gatorade, Doritos, instant oatmeal, Red Lobster, Chunky Soups, Frosted Mini-Wheats, Pringles, Wendy's.

Popular Stars: John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, Elvis Presley, Sean Connery, Steve McQueen, Jerry Lewis.