The idea of progress : the 60's

THE IDEA OF PROGRESS

Hello, so today I’m going to deal with the notion the idea of progress. To begin with, I’d like to give a definition of the notion. A progress can be defined as an improvement, a development or a change. It can be a technical, scientific or social advance which contributes to making the world a better place. In relation to the notion, the subject of my presentation will be the swinging 60’s. This decade was  symbolic of freedom, change and peace after the Second World War. We may wonder to what extent the 60’s were a turning point in world history. First I’m going to explain that the 60’s revolutionized the world through technological advances, then I will present political progress, and to finish I will talk about the influence of women.

Well, the 60’s were a time of technological breakthroughs. For instance, we learnt in an oral comprehension that in 1967 the first color TV was invented, it was a revolution. At the same time, the access to TV, cars (such as the emblematic Austin mini), and transistor radios was growing. Thus, people’s quality of life was improving, they were better off and could afford new items. Moreover, thanks to the transistor radios people discovered new styles of music, which were spread around the world and music became a means to convey messages and to protest against Vietnam War for example at Woodstock in 1969. Thus, the 60’s were a significant turning point in the political history, that is going to be my second part.

The major political figure in the US was J.F.Kennedy, he wanted to win the Cold War against the USSR. In this context we saw in a video that the two world’s great powers were in competition during the space race. Kennedy announced in 1961 that America would be the first to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade : the Apollo program was launched. Indeed, in 1969, the American Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and the USA won the space race. Furthermore, we learnt in a video of a Kennedy’s speech that he also supported the Civil Rights Movement, he wanted equal opportunities for all Americans whatever their skin color. In 1965, black people became able to vote and other laws were adopted, for instance women became emancipated and had more rights, that is going to be my third part.

A new place was accorded to women in the 60’s. We learnt in an article that in 1968 abortion, divorce and contraception became possible in Britain. Furthermore, women adopted a new look and fashion was revolutionized. We learnt in an oral comprehension that thanks to Mary Quant, mini-skirts and masculine pants became very fashionable. Also we saw an ad in class with the famous model, Tiggy, she was wearing false eye-lashes a very popular accessory at that time.

To conclude, the 60’s were a decade of rapid and major change. There were radical progress which have had a significant impact on our current society. However, some people such as women, blacks, pirate radio or hippies had to fight to gain new rights and to make society evolve positively.

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