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The 1960s

The 1960s . The student movement. Roots of student activism. Many of the first students involved were inspired by the CRM. Reacting against what they saw as artificial, materialistic, conformist, and non-democratic society. Everyone should do meaningful work and be well-paid.

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The 1960s

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  1. The 1960s The student movement

  2. Roots of student activism • Many of the first students involved were inspired by the CRM. • Reacting against what they saw as artificial, materialistic, conformist, and non-democratic society. • Everyone should do meaningful work and be well-paid.

  3. Philosophical roots • Like the CRM, most students believed in nonviolence. • In the NE, many were children of radical (socialist, communist, or social democratic) parents. • Outside the NE, many were inspired by Christian existentialism: they were morally required to improve earthly conditions for all.

  4. Political beliefs • Liberalism held that structure of American society fine, just needed periodic reform. • Old left: radical change would come through organized labor. • “New left:” radical change would come through students and poor. Those left out of system could create new structures.

  5. Role of universities • Universities ideal site for organizing • Should be places of learning as well as implementing new ideas • Should be places where students could find the authentic • Students could engage in participatory democracy on campus

  6. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) • Formed in 1960 • Many members active with SNCC • In 1962, the group drafted the “Port Huron Statement” • In 1963, began Economic Research Action Project (ERAP) in ten major cities. • Soon turned focus to Vietnam.

  7. War in Vietnam • U.S., with huge military might, invaded tiny country but lost. • 7,000,000 tons of bombs dropped • Almost one 500 pound bomb for each person in Vietnam.

  8. Why was the U.S. involved? • French colony until the French were defeated in 1954 • Geneva Accords divided country into North and South—communist North. • U.S. installs Ngo Dinh Diem as leader (dictator) • Democratic elections slated for two years—never happened

  9. Why was the U.S. involved? • Opposition to Diem regime grew • A few landlords became rich, but peasants grew poorer • In 1960, National Liberation Front (NLF) formed. Included many groups, most not communist • In 1963, Diem assassinated in military coup (supported by U.S.)

  10. Conflict escalates • Generals could not suppress NLF • In 1964, Gulf of Tonkin. • Allegedly, U.S. ship Maddox attacked • Later, Pentagon Papers suggest that incident was staged, though many don’t agree • Congressional Tonkin Resolution gives President power to use force

  11. Bombing (and protest) begins • In 1965, D.C. protest attracts 25,000 • By 1968, 500,000 American troops on the ground • War polarizes the nation—takes down LBJ • In 1968, Nixon proposes “vietnamization”

  12. Horrors of war • My Lai massacre—68 • Over 500 civilians intentionally killed • In 1969, the story broke in the NYT • William Calley, the Unit leader, convicted • Nixon commuted sentence

  13. The war ends • Some veterans return with horror stories • In 1967, Vietnam Veterans against the War starts with 3 protesting vets—membership grew quickly • In 1973, the U.S. withdraws • In 1975, N. Vietnamese defeat Saigon, became Democratic Republic of Vietnam • Casualties: 58,178 American; millions of Vietnamese, Laotians, and Cambodians

  14. The nature of the opposition • U.S. wrong to interfere with other countries • When Vietnam defeated France, should have had immediate elections • Right to self-determination

  15. The nature of the opposition • View of communism to simplistic • USSR and China not involved in plot to take over world—were in fact enemies • Domino theory wrong

  16. The nature of the opposition • As the war grew, critique broadened • Movement became more anti-imperialistic • By 1969, 60% of Americans disapproved of the war, but many didn’t like protesters, finding them unruly and disruptive

  17. The Counterculture: sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll • 1960—introduction of birth control pill, though not legal in every state • Pill allowed women more sexual freedom • Such freedom—the sexual revolution—horrified many

  18. Rock ‘n roll • Revival of folk music and protest songs—move away from bubblegum pop of the 50s • Bands with large followings like the Beatles as opposed to one-hit wonders • Psychedelic music—The Grateful Dead—very tied in with drug culture

  19. Hippies • LSD—developed by Timothy Leary of Harvard • Marijuana also very popular • “Tune in, turn on, drop out” • Many political activists put off by hippies, but “middle America” thought their children had gone crazy

  20. Hippie chic • Long hair for men and women • Clothing became part of self-expression • Loose, “ethnic” styles • Hand made, embellished items • Sexual, colorful, nonconformist

  21. Hippie philosophy • Live communally—share what you have • Reject materialism • Follow your heart • Express yourself through music and art • Love and peace most important

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