It’s clear from any angle that The Beatles had an incredible impact on the world in the sixties, but I think it’s evident stating they “changed the world” is going too far, and in actual fact they merely reflected a changing world. Source 18 mentions the view that “The Beatles changed the world in the sixties”, and it references to some of the contemporary debates from the decade, which the four-man band had an influence on: “legalization of drugs, the war in Vietnam” and “traditional and alternate religions”. Ian Inglis also declares them as one of the “twentieth century’s more significant achievements” which is true to an extent – some of their views and actions on the decades disputes were eye-openers to society. Although, source 18 also makes the comment that the band are “innovators”, which is supported by source 17’s view they’re not the “architects” of the “new youth culture”. This shows it the counter argument: they voiced a shifting world and society.
To say the Beatles “changed the world in the sixties” holds some truth – they were the first band to speak out about the Vietnam War, the first band to openly experiment with alternate religions and criticize other traditional faiths and the only band to publically call for the legalization of marijuana. So source 18’s view that the four men were “prominent across a wide range of categories” including “historical, sociological, cultural and musical” and that “their opinions were sought out, heard and acted on” is obviously evident - especially when relating to the bands protests against the Vietnam War. Perhaps one of the bands most famous demonstrations, in 1965, sent shock waves through the country – the Beatles were the first band to be honored with the nations highest award, but Lennon rejected his to protest against Britain’s involvement in the war with Vietnam. He also coined the renowned phrases “make love not war”