Anti-War Movement In The 1960s Essay

Beginning in the 1960s nearly all aspects of the preceding culture were at the cusps of being challenged. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in his letter to fellow clergymen from the Birmingham jail where King and several fellow protesters had been arrested for advocating change in the city of Birmingham. King addressed a statement from the clergymen that concluded his actions were "unwise and untimely." He cautioned the leaders to realize the leadership of the city of Birmingham were "dedicated to maintenance of the status quo."(Hayden-McNeil, pg. 485), The origins of the 60's youth revolt and the counterculture stem from a revolt against the "maintenance of status quo." Consequently, demonstrations of the philosophy were found in the Anti-War Movements,
involvement in the Vietnam War began with a small group of student activists on college campuses. However, in 1965 after the U.S. bombed North Vietnam, more Americans, primarily young college students began to question why the U.S. was involved in the war in the first place and began calling for an end. Indeed, many prominent Americans were against the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Equally, prominent leaders of the era were Anti-war supporters and in favor of ending the war. Heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali resisted being drafted and was initially sentenced to prison and a three-year ban from boxing. - Documentary, The Sixties - The Years That Shaped a
(American yawp, Ch.27). The lifestyle of the counterculture was marked on one side by unrestricted behavior with a disregard for stability, law and order. However, other viewpoints acknowledged it as a time of passion, equality and liberation. Â The counterculture philosophy prompted young Americans to support African Americans in their fight for equality. Especially, on college campuses where they embraced the causes of African Americans, Latinos and other minorities. Â Consistently, joining and supporting many of the initiatives, because they agreed with their own philosophy of peace, equality and liberation. The young people were drawn to ideals that challenged the