The 1960s

60s History on August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected in the dead of the night and for 28 years kept East Germans from fleeing to the West http://history1900s.about.com/od/coldwa1/a/berlinwall.htm In the winter of 1964, nelson Mandela arrived on Robben island where he would spend 18 of his 27 prison years. Confined to a small cell, the floor his bed, a bucket for a toilet, he was forced to do hard labour. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/mandela/prison On February 21, 1965, the black leader Malcolm X was assassinated as he started to address a rally in New York City. Malcolm X was a controversial figure. http://www.criticalreading.com/malcolm.htm

60s Technology The first practical bar code scanner was invented in 1966. It made identification and data collection easier by making It automatic. The bar code scanner became commercially popular in stores because it can identify any item and other applications. Kevlar was a major invention for police officers because it was lightweight but five times stronger than steel, which provided major protection from the likes of bullets and knives. This was invented in 1966 by the chemist Stephanie Kwolek whose bullet proof vest has saved many lives. The ATM was invented in 1969, it allowed bank customers to make transactions from anywhere in the world. The cash machine was invented by John Shepherd-Barron, who struck on the idea after finding his bank closed when he needed some money. He likened the idea to a chocolate bar vending machine, only with cash replacing the chocolate

60s Music Message Music Most themes found in rock and roll deal with love and relationships gone awry. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, cars and surfing were added to the mix. What distinguished music from the mid-1960s forward was the production of songs -- rock, folk, and blues -- with a social or political message.  The music was an attempt to reflect upon the events of the time --- civil rights, the growing unrest over the war in Vietnam, and the rise of feminism.  In many instances, the "message" within the song was simplistic or even banal.  However, other songs received substantial airplay and became "anthems" at concerts, rallies, and demonstrations. <<Bob Dylan – song: “The Time Are A-Changing” <<Joan Baez – song: “One Tin Soldier” <<Phil Ochs - song: Blowing in the Wind (ft. Bob Dylan)

60s Fashion The 1960s featured a number of diverse trends. It was a decade that broke many fashion traditions, mirroring social movements during the period. In the middle of the decade, culottes, box-shaped PVC dresses and go-go boots were popular. The widely popular bikini came into fashion in 1963 after being featured in the musical Beach Party. Mary Quant invented the mini-skirt, and Jackie Kennedy introduced the pillbox hat, both becoming extremely popular. False eyelashes were worn by women throughout the 1960s, and their hairstyles were a variety of lengths and styles. While focusing on colours and tones, accessories were less of an importance during the sixties. People were dressing in psychedelic prints, highlighter colours, and mismatched patterns. The hippie movement late in the decade also exerted a strong influence on ladies' clothing styles, including bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye, and batik fabrics, as well as paisley prints.

When I think of the 60s Lesley Lawson, also known as Twiggy, is an English model, actress and singer. In the early 1960s she became a prominent British teenage model of swinging sixties London with others such as Penelope Tree. Twiggy was initially known for her androgynous looks, large eyes, long eyelashes, thin build and short hair. In 1966, she was named “The Face of 1966” by the Daily Express and voted British Woman of the Year. By 1967, Twiggy had modelled in France, Japan, and the U.S., and landed on the covers of Vogue and The Tatler. Her fame had spread worldwide. After modelling, Twiggy went on to enjoy a successful career as a screen, stage and television actress. She has hosted her own series, Twiggy's People, in which she interviewed celebrities, and also appeared as a judge on the reality show America's Next Top Model.