The 1960s Cultural Revolution / Edition 1

by John C. McWilliams

Overview

Progressing at a dizzying, frenetic pace, the 1960s were synonymous with rebellion and conflict. No other decade in the 20th century was so tumultuous. This gripping and engagingly written guide to the forces that shaped the 1960s cultural revolution examines the New Left, the antiwar movement, and the counterculture. A narrative historical overview puts the decade in perspective. Essays follow on each of the above topics, and a concluding essay discusses the legacy of the era. The work also features a wealth of ready reference material—a comprehensive timeline of events in the 1960s, biographical profiles of key players, the text of important primary documents associated with the political, social and cultural rebellion, a glossary of terms, and a helpful annotated bibliography of print and nonprint materials suitable for students.

The author, an expert in the social history of the era, examines the political activism, protests, music, and social conduct that made the 1960s such an extraordinary era. He also demonstrates that contrary to popular thinking, only a small minority of the baby boomers who came of age then were directly involved in student demonstrations, protests against the Vietnam War, or antisocial behavior that many Americans perceive as typical of the 1960s. Bringing to life the passion of the era are the texts of primary documents such as statements from the Students for a Democratic Society, speeches by leaders of the student protest movement and the Hippies, interviews, and responses from establishment politicians. The analytical essays, primary documents, and ready-reference material will help students to gain a deeper understanding of the period.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313299131
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/30/2000
Series:	Greenwood Press Guides to Historic Events of the Twentieth Century
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)
Lexile:	1490L (what's this?)
Age Range:	14 Years

About the Author

JOHN C. McWILLIAMS is associate professor of history at Penn State University-DuBois. His special area of interest is American social-political history since World War II. He is author of The Protectors: Harry J. Anslinger and the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, 1930-1962 (1990) and is currently working on a history of corrections in Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword

Preface

Chronology

Historical Overview

The New Life and the End of Consensus

Give Peace a Chance: The Antiwar Movement

Tune In, Turban On, Drop Out: The Counterculture

Legacy of the 1960s: Cultural Revolution

Biographies: The Persons Behind the 1960s Cultural Revolution

Primary Documents of the 1960s Cultural Revolution

Glossary of Selected Terms

Annotated Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Gr 9 Up-A comprehensive look at a complex period, written in an engaging, readable style. The changes and challenges that manifested themselves in the 1960s did not begin and end in a neat 10-year package, so this book actually runs through to 1975 and the end of the Vietnam War. McWilliams writes in the preface: "Seldom has an era been simultaneously exaggerated and oversimplified, reviled and revered. The sixties. History in motion. At warp speed. We may never be the same." What follows is a lengthy chronology and a historical overview that includes not only events, but also a discussion of "the temper of the times." The book has a lengthy chronology, a notable selection of primary documents, and an extensive annotated bibliography that includes videos and Web sites. Of particular usefulness is a unique chapter on the not-so-obvious makers of history, "The Personalities Behind the Cultural Revolution," which presents short entries on political activists, student leaders, and artists. This is a fascinating and comprehensible book that succeeds in making sense of a tumultuous time in the political, social, and cultural development of America. A fine resource for reports and for interested readers.-Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Contending that there was more to the 1960s than sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, McWilliams (history, Pennsylvania State U.-DuBois) interprets the counterculture, the politics of the New Left and antiwar movement, the media's impact in shaping and reflecting these developments, and their legacy. Includes a chronology of events starting with the baby boom year of 1946, b&w photos, biographies of key personalities, an annotated list of 11 documents of the cultural revolution starting with , and a glossary of terms from to Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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