How Music Reflected Social Upheaval in the 1960s
Cynthia Norris
HIS 1380 – Contemporary America and the World
Professor Davis
August 24, 2015
How Music Reflected Social Upheaval in the 1960s
The 1960s was an era that was shaped by many differing circumstances; each of these dealing with the United States. Events such as the launching of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union, the ongoing Cold War, the invention of the color television, and the unending fight against Communism each impacted the era in unique ways. In many ways, “the Sixties were [to become] the most conflict ridden, turbulent decade in the twentieth century…” This can be seen through the effects that these events had on popular culture in the sixties: especially within the music scene. The Cold War caused a lot of social upheaval in America because of the constant threat and fear or safety among citizens. This obviously and greatly impacted the music of this time. One can see the impact that the Cold War on music
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This music was a strong contrast to the syrupy pop of the late 50s and early 60s. Rock & Roll had