Watch The 1960s

The 1960s from HISTORY Vault takes a close look at the transformative decade that saw the United States go through immense social, cultural, and political upheaval. The show is an eight-part docuseries that delves into events that shaped the era, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race, the counterculture movement, and the rise of feminism.

The show opens with a comprehensive overview of the 1960s, setting the stage for the tumultuous decade that lay ahead. Viewers get to witness the burgeoning optimism of the era, as well as the growing sense of frustration and disillusionment that would ultimately lead to widespread unrest.

Throughout each episode, the show does an excellent job of weaving together its various disparate threads, painting a cohesive portrait of what the 1960s was like for different people across different regions and socio-economic backgrounds. The show explores the experiences of ordinary citizens, as well as that of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., President John F. Kennedy, and civil rights activists like Angela Davis and Stokely Carmichael.

One of the standout episodes focuses on the Civil Rights Movement, which was one of the most significant social movements of the 20th century. The episode takes a deep dive into the key figures and tactics that were employed to push back against systemic racism, including the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, the Freedom Rides, and the March on Washington. The show makes clear the immense bravery displayed by those who fought for civil rights in the face of systemic opposition and entrenched discrimination.

Another episode looks at the Vietnam War, which was perhaps one of the most controversial conflicts in American history. The show unpacks the reasons behind the United States' involvement in the war, as well as the various strategies that were deployed by both sides. The episode features interviews with veterans, as well as with anti-war activists, who convey the devastating impact that the war had on Vietnam and the United States alike.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to thought-provoking footage and interviews that help to provide context and perspective on the various events of the era. The show's producers have done an excellent job at sourcing authentic footage from the period, which helps to bring the era to life in a way that traditional history books cannot match.

Perhaps most impressively, the show manages to capture the pervasive feeling of hope and optimism that characterizes the 1960s despite the darkness that underpinned it. Though the decade was marked by the deaths of key figures like JFK and Martin Luther King Jr., people of that era remained steadfast in their desire for progress and eventual social justice in the face of overwhelming odds.

Overall, The 1960s from HISTORY Vault is a must-watch docuseries for anyone interested in the history of America, the Civil Rights Movement, or the transformative decade that was the 1960s. With its insightful commentary, excellent interviews, and authentic footage from the period, the show provides an engaging and enlightening peek behind the curtain of one of America's most fraught and consequential eras.

The 1960s is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between August 30, 2014 and on HISTORY Vault