Watch The 60's
- 2009
- 1 Season
The 60's is a documentary series produced by A&E that explores one of the most revolutionary decades in American history. Consisting of ten episodes, each episode is an hour-long and delves into the major political, social, and cultural events that took place throughout the 60s.
The series takes a look at the transformational changes that happened during the 1960s, ranging from the Civil Rights Movement, anti-war demonstrations, the rise of feminism, counter-culture, rock and roll, and the space race.
The first episode of the series sets the tone by providing a brief overview of the decade, highlighting the major events and social movements that are explored in the rest of the series. From there, each episode focuses on a particular event or theme, providing an in-depth analysis of the critical issues that defined the decade.
The second episode focuses on the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, both of which aimed to eradicate discrimination and segregation. The episode sheds light on significant figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Stokely Carmichael, exploring their contributions to the movement and the challenges they faced.
The third episode highlights the anti-war movement, which escalated in the 1960s as the Vietnam War continued to drag on. From college protests to draft resistance and the emergence of Jane Fonda as a vocal anti-war activist, this episode provides a showcase of the significant events and individuals that shaped the anti-war movement.
The fourth episode delves into the rise of feminism and the women's liberation movement, which was instrumental in challenging gender-based discrimination across the country. From the publication of Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book, The Feminine Mystique, to the iconic bra-burning protest at the 1968 Miss America Pageant, the episode explores the events and leaders that have changed the course of women's history forever.
The fifth episode examines the counterculture movement, which saw the emergence of a new wave of young Americans who rejected mainstream culture. The episode features the music of Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan, showcasing how their work represented the political, social, and cultural struggles of the era.
The sixth episode focuses on the hippie movement, which became synonymous with the counterculture movement. From the Woodstock music festival to the emergence of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco, this episode covers the lifestyle, music, and fashion that defined the hippie culture in the 1960s.
The seventh episode delves into the impact of drug culture on the 1960s, exploring the rise of LSD, marijuana, and other hallucinogens. The episode examines how drug culture impacted music, politics, and society as a whole, while also showcasing the negative consequences of addiction and abuse.
The eighth episode focuses on the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. From the launch of Sputnik I to the famed Apollo 11 mission that put man on the moon, the episode provides an in-depth analysis of the scientific and political implications of the space race.
The ninth episode takes a look at the infamous Charles Manson murder case and explores the ways in which it represented the dark underbelly of the 1960s. The episode delves into the era's violence and fear, questioning whether Manson and his followers were the product of a failed counterculture or an aberration in an otherwise optimistic era.
Finally, the tenth episode concludes the series by examining the legacy of the 1960s and its impact on future generations. From the music and art to political and social movements, this episode analyzes how the events of the 1960s continue to shape our culture and society today.
Overall, The 60's is an engaging documentary series that provides an insightful look into one of the most transformative periods in American history. Through its exploration of various themes and events, the series offers an informative and thought-provoking commentary on the 1960s and its impact on contemporary society.