Timeline: Major Events of the 1960s

Timeline: Major Events of the 1960s

Timeline for Events in 1960-1963 – Lists the most important events occurring in the early ’60s. This era was was dominated by John F. Kennedy’s Presidency and the Civil Rights Movement. It was the calm before the storm in the decade. This period ended with with Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963.

Timeline for Events in 1964-1966– Lists the most important events occurring in the middle of the ’60s. This era was was dominated by Lyndon Johnson’s Presidency which began as a result of Kennedy’s assassination. The early Johnson Administration focused on completing some of Kennedy’s visions including major victories for the Civil Rights Movement with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His Presidency then became consumed by the Great Society and the escalating war in Vietnam, causing unrest and protest among the nation’s youth.

Timeline for Events in 1967-1969– Lists the most important events occurring in the late ’60s. This era was a divided one marked with an unpopular war and leader, protest, rioting, and assassinations; the country was in turmoil. The war in Vietnam escalated to its peak in 1968, forcing Johnson not to seek another term. Two beloved leaders in the country Martin Luther King Jr., the voice of the civil rights movement and Robert F. Kennedy were both assassinated in 1968 filling the country with grief and violence. 1968 Presidential conventions were held amid protest and violence, with Republican Richard Nixon eventually winning the contest. Meanwhile the youth culture was full of protest against the war and the universities which they attended. Timeline for Events in 1970-1974– Lists the most important events occurring in the early 1970s. During these years Richard Nixon was President, the country was still in turmoil over Vietnam. Nixon’s presidency was marked by a detente with the Soviet Union, an opening up of diplomatic relations with China. As well the Nixon implemented a Vietnamization of the War in Vietnam, bringing American soldiers home. These positives were marred by presidential scandal in 1972, when Five men were arrested on June 17, 1972 trying to bug the offices of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate hotel and office complex. It was soon discovered the that the burglary had ties to the White House. Eventually this lead to the President’s own involvement. Articles for Nixon’s impeachment were voted on in 1974, and after the release of the “smoking gun” tape, Nixon decided to resign from the Presidency, the first to do so on August 9, 1974 at noon. Watergate Timeline – This is a detailed timeline of the events of the Watergate crisis from the Washington Post’s 25th anniversary site.

Content c2004
The Sixties: A Journey Through Politics and Culture.
Web design and content by Bonnie K. Goodman, BA, MLIS