Counterculture-sh



The 1960s decade gave birth to a youth movement that challenged the American political and social system and conventional middle class- values. This movement included students for a Democratic Society and the Free Speech Movement. The youth movement originated with the baby boomers. By these time they were was 34 years old or younger. College enrollment rose by millions and this life gave young people a sense of freedom and independence. It was their chance to socialize and conform.

Young people were concerned most about injustices in their countrie's political and social systme. It was believed that wealthy elite controlled politics and wealth itself was divided unfairly. These young people formed the New Left. A prominent organizationg within the New Left was Studens for a Democratic Society (SDS). This was founded in 1959. It defined its views b the Port Huron Statement. It was written largely by Tom Hayden.

While some sought to reform others sought to reject. This created counterculture and hippies. A movement that captured the nation was the Free Speach Movement. The impact of the Counterculture included fashion and music.