A history of the 1960s, discussing the social, cultural, and grassroots political movements that defined the decade, including the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Civil Rights Movement; and providing information about some of the people who spurred the era of change.

Gathering of the forces -- Black ordeal, Black freedom -- The New Frontier of American liberalism -- Why did the United States fight in Vietnam? -- 1963 -- The rise of the Great Society -- 1965 -- The making of a youth culture -- The New Left -- The fall of the Great Society -- The conservative revival -- 1968 -- Many faiths : the '60s reformation -- No cease-fire : 1969-1974 -- Conclusion : winners and losers -- Critical events during the long 1960s.