The 1960s were an important time in history on the home-front and abroad. It was a time for increasing technology and creativity. America has never been the same since and I feel like there are certain aspects of the 1960s that are easily skimmed over. So enjoy this list of fun and important things that completely changed America and the world forever (not in any particular order).
1. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy’s assassination was the fourth assassination of a United States president. Some of our parents may still remember the breaking news of the assassination.
2. The Beatles release their first album
The greatest band in all of history would release its first album, “Please Please Me.” They would make their way to the United States in 1964 starting “Beatlemania” in the States.
3. Dr. Martian Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech
This speech would leave a huge mark on Americans and would forever be remembered through American school systems.
4. Civil Rights Act of 1964
This would make discrimination based on race, gender, religion or national origin illegal in public places, it would also encourage the desegregation of public schools.
5. U.S. troops are deployed to South Vietnam
6. Voting Rights Act of 1965
This would protect minorities to exercise their right to vote. This would completely change voting in the United States.
7. The first Super Bowl
The Green Bay Packers would defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 35- 10
8. Student protests
Students would begin to protest many things including the war in Vietnam and many other political policies.
9. First human heart transplant
This was the first successful heart transplant, changing medicine forever.
10. First man on the moon
The United States would send the first man to the moon. On July 20, 1969, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin would salute the U.S. flag on the moon, completing President Kennedy’s dream of landing a man on the moon.
11. Woodstock music festival
An estimated 400,000 people would attend this music festival in August 1969. Beat that, Coachella.
12. Manson murders
Cult leader Charles Manson would be taken to court on murder charges and would later be sentenced to life in prison.
