Flashback Fun: A Look at 1960s World Events & Pop Culture
The 1960s was one of the most influential and progressive decades in history. This was a decade of significant change, known for the civil rights movement, the emergence of the counterculture movement, as well as peace, love and rock & roll. Read on to take a walk down memory lane!
A Decade of Significant Events
Many significant world events occurred during the 1960s, including the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., marking a time of political unrest. This decade also saw “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” with the moon landing being one of the most watched television events of all time.
Rise of the Counterculture Movement
During the 1960s, societal values were changing from conservative and subdued, to one of activism and protest. This decade saw a revolution in society, with people pushing for changes related to racial equality, women’s rights, environmental, and political movements.
Pop Culture Icons
This decade is known for peace, love, and rock & roll. The 1960s marked the arrival of the British Invasion in music, with the Beatles taking over the airwaves. The sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin were popular amongst young people. In the mid-sixties, many households purchased their first colour televisions; Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, and Carol Burnett were amongst the most popular actors on tv screens during this decade.
Fashion & Trends
Clothing in the 1960s featured vibrant colours and patterns. Mini skirts, go-go boots, and bell bottoms were all the rage. People moved away from the conservative, formal fashions that were popular in the fifties. Men began wearing their hair long, and women preferred shorter hemlines on their skirts and dresses. The change in fashion trends was largely influenced by the rise in the counterculture movement, where they rebelled against tradition and demanded social and political reforms.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as we looked back on the 1960s!





