Vietnam War

• The 1960's saw the beginning of the Vietnam War. The American troops were deployed in 1965 in an effort to prevent a Communist takeover in Vietnam. The war lasted from 1955 through 1975, making it the longest war in United States history. The total number of Americans that perished came to 58,169, not including those missing in action and prisoners of war who were kept behind. The Vietnam War is called a "conflict" in history since the Congress never officially declared war against North Vietnam. The draft system was used during this war for calling young men who were 18 and registering them for duty if needed.
  
  

Music

• Music in the 1960s was highlighted by the "British Invasion." During this time, British rock bands came across the Atlantic adding their version of rock 'n' roll. Bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones made an impression on mainstream music that still resonates today. In 1963, Motown Records formed, creating a hub for rising artists in R&B music. Groups like The Temptations and The Four Tops played a pivotal role with the racial unification of this famous sound. Folk music, featuring musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, became more relevant bestowing messages of current events. Rock music reached its apotheosis in August of 1969 when the Woodstock Music Festival was held promoting three days of peace through music.
  
  

Man on the Moon

• On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history as the first men setting foot on the moon. One of the most famous sentences in history was uttered by Neil Armstrong upon placing his feet on the moon's surface: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Armstrong and Aldrin collected samples of rocks and dirt for scientific experiments and set up cameras for demonstrating their ease of movement on the lunar surface. An American flag was firmly placed on the moon's surface, signaling a dream fulfilled for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  
  

Civil Rights Movement

• At the beginning of the 1960's, many black Americans were still not allowed voting rights. During this time, leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. surfaced with plans for desegregating the community and giving equal rights to all. King is best known for his "I have a dream" speech on August 28, 1963 during the march on Washington. Discrimination during this time was rampant, with black college students being made examples of in Greensboro, N.C. when they were refused service. This resulted in a sit-in, with other students of all races joining them in search of fairness and civil rights.