Major Events and Forces of the 1960s, Essay Example

Explain the major events and forces of the 1960s politically, socially, and in foreign relations. What lessons from the 1960s might we have learned that apply to our society today? Explain.

One can say that 1960s were the emphasis of American contemporary history: it created or reformed everything we had prior to that. Also, 1960s brought a new wave of theory in which the young generation became more committed to. The theory itself concerned the life, society, social atmosphere, government, sexual orientation problems, foreign relations, etc. Most of these events are still relevant in the first decade of the 21st century. The social atmosphere is changing back to 1960s since the current generation sees protest as the only means of fighting the current regime and the laws that it implemented. There are three important areas of change that 1960s brought with which came in political, social, and international way that are currently happening as well.

Political issues were perhaps in the forefront of all the issues that were addressed in 1960s. Many people were dissatisfied with the way government dealt with its domestic issues such as the civil rights movement, the free speech movement, etc.  Civil rights movement, on its turn was a revolution itself since it brought about the idea that everyone was equal. The free speech movement was also popular for the fact that it created this sense of individuality that everyone had the right to speak and the McCarthy fear should be immediately ceased.  In the contemporary world these issues are still present and alive. They are at times remembered in order to have a cautious attitude towards sensitive issues like that.

Social change was also important to America that brought about a new generation that fought and protested for change. This made the society realize that they all mean something ,that they are not just simply dominated by corporates that have suppressing attitude. This collective unity brought change and eventually limited some corporate monopoly in America. In addition, the new generation began to feel this need for morality and equality that was not felt before. People began to understand and accept the fact that minority groups also have the right to live and the right for education. This feeling of morality is currently one of the issues that Occupy Wall Street is seeking to address. In addition to that,  Occupy Wall Street  brings back the many other issues that have not been addressed ever since 1960s. The Occupy Wall St organization also addresses the domestic issues and the financial crisis.

One thing that the American government failed to ultimately realize was  the fact that the foreign relations were a crucial factor for their economy. One of the main reasons why it failed was because in 1960s the Vietnam War began and went on for years without a single benefit. This has went on for years and the American government still has not taken into considerations questions like that and answer them properly. Currently, America is fighting two wars which it wasted billions of dollars for without any fruit. Had it not been for the Vietnam War, the country would be totally indifferent towards the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Lastly, 1960s brought important change to the  American culture which transformed and modernized the society.