American Decades Primary Sources

The 1960s was an active decade in the United States -- politically, militarily, socially, and popularly. The 1960s saw the world come to the brink of nuclear war as the United States and Soviet Union faced off in the Cuban Missile Crisis, and U.S. advisors and troops were sent to Vietnam to combat communist forces wanting to take over that country. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he campaigned in Texas for reelection, plunging the nation into stunned mourning. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his inspiring I Have a Dream speech at the March on Washington, and the Civil Rights Act became law, but King himself was assassinated. The public demonstrated in support of civil rights and against the military draft, sometimes resulting in riots and violence. While the 1960s contained the upheaval of violence and change, is also saw the colorful burst of tie dye, the first airing of Sesame Street, the wild popularity of the Beatles, and the first man to walk on the moon. The following documents are just a sampling of the offerings available in this volume: Lyrics to Blowin' in the Wind, by Bob Dylan, and flyer for the March on Washington to protest the Vietnam War, where Peter, Paul, and Mary performed the songUnsafe at Any Speed, by consumer advocate Ralph NaderAs the Seed Is Sown, report on Head Start programTye Dye clothingCodes of conduct for use by troops in Vietnam: Nine Rules, The Enemy in Your Hands, and Guidance for Commanders in VietnamPrayer of the Farm Workers' Struggle, by Ce sar Cha vezVast Wasteland speech delivered by FCC Chairman Newton Minow to the National Association of Broadcasters, May 1961First Surgeon General's report on Smoking and Health, 1964Humanae Vitae: Encyclical of Pope Paul VI on the Regulation of BirthDr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from a Birmingham jailPhotograph of a bootprint on the surface of the Moon from the Apollo 11 lunar landingRoger Maris At Bat, excerpt from Maris's 1962 autobiography detailing his chasing Ruth's home run record the year beforeChicago Trial Testimony, by Allen Ginsberg"