Lecture Notes: Youth Culture in the 1960s

Overview

Youth Involvement: Young people, especially college students, opposed America's involvement in Vietnam.
Key Organizations:
- Young Americans for Freedom: Conservative group supporting Vietnam involvement for communism containment.
- Students for a Democratic Society (SDS): Released the Port Huron Statement, advocating participatory democracy and opposing the Vietnam War.
Reason for Student Involvement: Potential drafting post-graduation for a war many viewed as immoral.
Anti-War Demonstrations: Massive protests across the country.
- Kent State Massacre (1970): Death of 4 students and wounding of 10 others during protests against Nixon's Vietnam escalation.

Objective: Reject societal norms and embrace rebellion.
Characteristics:
- Clothing and Appearance: Non-traditional styles.
- Drug Use: Marijuana and psychedelic drugs like LSD seen as part of the mindset.
- "Free Love": Part of the sexual revolution, critiquing previous generational norms.
- Informal Lifestyle: Critique of 1950s formality in dress and music.

Hippies: Central figures in the movement, often associated with San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district.
Musical Influences: Bob Dylan and artists featured at Woodstock.
- Bob Dylan: Known for poetic lyrics and a unique, informal singing style.
Woodstock Festival (1969): Iconic event with nearly 400,000 attendees.
- Featured artists: Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joan Baez.

Excessive drug use and unsustainable lifestyle led to the movement's decline by the 1970s.

Understanding of youth culture and movements in the 1960s is critical for AP US History curriculum.
Encouragement to engage with the content for academic success.