1. THE BRITISH INVASION BRITAIN, THE 60s. How British rock bands conquered America – and the world.

2. THE ORIGIN OF THE INVASION Young British groups started to combine British and American music styles. In 1962 some of these groups were based in Liverpool. This new musical style was named «Merseybeat», taking the name from a popular music magazine.

3. THE BEATLES The Beatles have been the most famous and successful band ever. Coming from Liverpool, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were at the very front of the invasion of the USA by British bands.

4. BEATLEMANIA! People went crazy at Beatles concerts and wherever the «fab four» went. This phenomenon, known as Beatlemania, started in Britain, but soon spread to America, especially after they appeared in the Ed Sullivan Show. Beatlemania was characterized by fits of hysteria and high-pitched screaming. Songs like «She Loves You» or «I Want to Hold Your Hand» made crowds go crazy.

5. OTHER BRITISH BANDS THAT TOOK OVER AMERICA The Beatles were not the only British band whose popularity spread over America. Very especially The Rolling Stones (who were considered to be the «bad boys» as opposed to the Beatles – just consider their hit «(I can’t get no) Satisfaction») -, and also others like The Kinks and The Who.

7. OUTSIDE OF MUSIC Music was the spearhead of the British invasion, but other aspects, such as films, fashion and imagery also influenced greatly the United States and, of course, the rest of the world. Let us take a look at them.

8. FILMS Some British films really hit the grade during the 60s. My Fair Lady won eight oscars, and Mary Poppins became the most Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated Disney film in history. And the James Bond series began in 1962 with the film Dr. No, becoming an immediate success. During the 60s four of the Oscar winners for best picture were British productions. Lawrence of Arabia got seven awards.

10. ACTORS AND ACTRESSES Together with these successful films, a number of British actors and actresses became enormously popular all over the world: Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Sean Connery, Julie Andrews, Michael Caine,…

12. FASHION With so many musicians and actors becoming popular worldwide, British fashion just had to become popular, too. The «mini-skirt» was born in London, by designer Mary Quant. And some British models like Twiggy or Jean Shrimpton were on top.

14. SWINGING LONDON London became the city where everything that was new, modern and exciting was happening. It was a youth-oriented phenomenon, and it was also full of optimism. Carnaby Street was the street where you had to go to get a taste of this «Swinging London».