The Utmost Time of Change

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A time of immense change, the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s shaped the political, social, and economic America that we know today. Our country was going through a shift from political complacency and social and cultural conformity, to political activism and social and cultural rebellion. For the first time in the history of America, society would turn away from traditional laws, roles, and ideas. There were many people, groups, and ideas that contributed to this change, some more important than others. Young Americans and technology were important in the transformation of America, but didn’t contribute as much as the activists and government officials of the 1950s and 1960s. These activists stood up for what they thought was wrong and made change happen while the government officials worked with the supreme court to pass laws to protect the minorities’ in America. Together, these two groups were the major players in the transformation, while other factors such as technology, young Americans, and the Cold War played a smaller role in the change from the 1950s to the 1960s. America’s youth and technology contributed to the shift from social and cultural conformity to social and cultural rebellion. Rock and Roll became popular in the 1950s and teens loved this new type of music because it was so different from any other type in the sense that it was freeing, fast moving, and exciting. Rock and Roll helped break down the color barrier, bring people closer together, and create the first youth television shows. The Beat Movement followed in the early 50s, and was centered around jazz music and the rejection to conformity. The age of Rock and Roll seemed to boost the spirits of the suburban families, but this time was much different for... ... middle of paper ... ... others. This makes us look weak because we are essentially in civil war and a Cold War. The image America gave off during this time was extremely bad for our reputation. The young Americans, technology, and the Cold War played a role in the transformation and formation of America of the 50s and 60. Although they were somewhat important, they had little effect compared to the government officials, Supreme Court decisions, and the activists who acted out against segregation, discrimination, women’s rights, and the wrongdoings of society. This was the first time in the history of America that society turned away from traditional ideas and turned to newer ways of thinking. The shift from political complacency and social and cultural conformity, to political activism and social and cultural rebellion were necessary in order to shape the America that we know today!

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