Sixties Counterculture

The counterculture in the United States started during the mid 60's ending in the early 70's, ignited by the growing tension over the Vietnam War, and inspired by the rejection of the stereotypical ideals of the 50's. The majority of people who were part of the counter culture movement came from the middle class, and were white. An early start of counterculture can be seen in the Beatniks, poets who gained recognition in New York, and rejected materialism as well as explored the inner self and philosophy. One of the most lasting consequences of the counterculture movement was the formation of several great rock bands.  Rock music had been first made mainstream by Elvis the 50's, but gained popularity in the 60's and 70's with bands such as  the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, gaining popularity. To the horror of older generations, many youths began to reject old-fashioned ideas such as worth ethic and monogamy, and used drugs. The Sexual Revolution was brought about by women's access to birth control, as well as the growing freedoms brought about by Civil Rights movements influenced by the African American fight for Civil Rights. San Francisco was the center of the counterculture movement, home of the hippies, other acid users, and fans of psychedelic movement, such as Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead.


Below: A group of dancing Haight Ashbury Hippies
http://hippies101.blogspot.com/2009/02/haight-ashbury-hippie-headquarters.html