Peoples different opinions on the 1960s

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Why did some people have such different opinions about the 1960s

1960s was a time that many people look back on with fond memories, but which others blame for some of the failings of society. It was a time of freedom, a decade of social conflict, scandal, war, sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. In an age of increased middle class wealth, for the first time in history, people had buying power, rationing was well and truly a thing of the past, the population had greater employment opportunities and people were generally better off. Music and fashion became mass-market industries and were quick to cater to the demands of the youth market.

In the 60s there were many generations, which had different outlooks on life in Britain. Some people had been through very difficult experiences in the 2nd world war, many had endured hardships, poverty and rationing, which only ended in 1954. There was a younger generation of “baby boomers”, who had been born after soldiers returned home from war. These people became teenagers and young adults in the 1960s.

The British economy began to grow again after recovering from the Second World War and their mass production of goods led to people being able to buy more things than ever before. The development of television and other ways of communication changed the way people lived, as well as their expectations. Although some people saw these developments as a waste of time, they thought people should be going out and doing something worthwhile with their lives, instead of watching T.V, listening to music etc.

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For young people there was a growing feeling of optimism; that anything was possible, they had new music and fashions as well as cars, which were now accessible.

The growing popularity of television helped spread popular culture around the globe, so trends could take off rapidly. Programs such as Top of the Pops influenced people to listen to pop music during the 60s. In 1962 the Beatles emerged from Liverpool’s cavern club. Their first album “Please Please Me” became famous around the globe within a year. Teenagers were influenced greatly by musicians like the Beatles, boys tried to ...

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