sixties

The sixties refer to the decade 1960–1969, a period of rapid change across many regions, characterized by political upheaval, social movements, and cultural innovations. The Cold War shaped international relations, while the space race culminated with manned lunar missions and public fascination with science.

Civil rights and social movements: In the United States, the civil rights movement led to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965). The decade saw rising anti-war sentiment over Vietnam and student protests; in many regions, movements for gender equality, indigenous rights, and decolonization gained momentum.

Culture and lifestyle: The era witnessed the rise of rock and roll and the British Invasion, folk and protest music, and the counterculture, including psychedelic art and fashion. Films and television expanded youth-oriented content; fashion featured miniskirts, mod styles, and later psychedelic prints. The Woodstock Music & Art Fair (1969) symbolized the counterculture.

Science and technology: The space program achieved major milestones; human spaceflight and the Moon landing in 1969 marked a turning point. Advances in computing and electronics began to reshape daily life and work, while globalization and mass media accelerated cultural exchange.

Regional notes: In many colonized regions, decolonization proceeded through the 1960s, leading to new nations and reorganized political systems. Western Europe saw economic expansion and social policy reforms, while Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America experienced varied political shifts.