Economic: War Without Raised Taxes
During the 1960s the U.S. got involved in a civil war in Vietnam in an effort to prevent the spread of communism. This war was very unpopular and one of the major mistakes made was the the government did not raise taxes. U.S. citizens would have resented a Tax raise but it was necessary. The war cost a large sum of money and because taxes weren't raised to pay for it the country ended up in significant debt.
Social: Counter Culture
Peace rally against war in Vietnam
Many people protested the government's decisions during the 1960s and chose to voice their opinions and rebel. These people were part of the counter culture movement. This movement centered around music, rallies, and public speakers. This movement is symbolized things such as Volkswagen buses, Tye dye, peace signs, and a certain style of clothing. many of these people joined the movement as a form of rebellion against their parents. The influences of the movement survived decades and can even be seen in modern culture.
Political: Watergate
President Nixon during the Watergate scandal
The Watergate Scandal was the product of Nixon's paranoia and is the act that forever broke the bond of trust between the U.S. government and its citizens. By using unethical and illegal methods to aid his campaign President Nixon damaged not only his reputation, but also the government's reputation. For the majority of U.S. citizens Watergate resulted in suspicion that can still be seen today. For a few, though, it taught them not to just blindly follow their government, and instead think about things for themselves.
Do these events lead to Progress?
The economic issues of the 1960s were not an example of progress, instead they were an example of mistakes made by the government. These mistakes led to misfortune for the entire country, a clear lack of progress. The counter culture movement and its lasting effects are a very important example of progress. The counter culture movement was full of people who refused to blindly follow and to instead stand up for what they believed in. The Watergate scandal is not an example progress, because it caused a rift to open between the U.S. government and its citizens. Even though it taught some that it is not right to blindly follow without reason, it still produced an air of fear and distrust that still surrounds the government.