The
1960’s in America were a time
of change, new culture, conflicts and political movements. The decade began with
the inauguration of the United States’ second youngest president, John F. Kennedy. The
baby-boomers were getting more involved, and many of their voices were heard in many aspects of politics.
Another
great leader also made his debut in the sixties, and made it his mission to better the lives of African Americans. This man was Martin Luther King, Jr. His incredible persuasive
abilities and beliefs concerning nonviolent protests against racial prejudice and discrimination spurred many people, both
blacks and whites, to join his cause.
After
Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson became president and began his policy of the Great Society, declaring
a “war on poverty”. He passed much of the legislation on Civil Rights
that helps make America the country it is today.
America became steadily
more involved in the war in Vietnam, coupled with an increasing amount of dissent in America. Riots and protests began to spread rapidly across the country as Americans expressed their anger with the
situation and the loss of so many American lives.
America also launched
its new space program, sending its first man into space and landing the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong.
