About This Quiz
A generation after the Second World War, the Sixties took hold in America and across the Western World. It wasn’t just another decade of the 20th century – it was an era that marked a dramatic shift in politics and culture the likes of which we may never see again in our lifetimes. Do you really know anything about the crazy 1960s? You don't have to have lived through them to know a good bit about them, since there are only about a zillion documentaries in existence.
After WWII, America settled into a period of tremendous growth and influence. But minorities and women were disillusioned and discontented with the status quo. Then, the protests began. There were marches in the streets around the nation, some of which turned violent. What do you know about the social unrest in the Civil Rights era?
From JFK to the Vietnam War, the ‘60s were a strange time to be an American. Conservatives fought to stop Communism – young hippies sought peace and free love. And the music, movies, and TV shows of this period were a reflection of how Americans saw themselves and their ideals.
Step back in time for this 1960s quiz! Let’s find out if you’re groovy or if you’re still part of the silent majority!
It was 1962 when Johnny Carson took the reins of "The Tonight Show." With his wry smile and handsome looks, Carson became a larger-than-life figure on late night TV.
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In one famous act of civil disobedience, protesters at Woolworth's conducting "sit-ins" to months on end. Finally, after half a year of protests, the lunch counter began serving blacks just as it did whites.
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They played on the same team, and they were both in pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record -- 60 in a season. Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle slugged away in 1961, and in the last game of the year, Maris hit lucky number 61.
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In Los Angeles, a scuffle between white policemen and a black man exploded into the infamous Watts Riot. In five days of violence, 34 people died and more than 4,000 were arrested.
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In '67, Israel fought a short but intense Six-Day War with its Middle East neighbors. The Israelis unleashed devastating attacks that caused tens of thousands of casualties on its enemies, while losing only a few hundred of their own troops.
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"Beach Party" is a silly movie with an outrageous story, one involving a scientist supposedly researching the mating habits of surfers in Southern California. Mousketeer Annette Funicello starred alongside Frankie Avalon.
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In 1965, the Astrodome opened in Houston. The huged domed stadium drew flocks of people even though the baseball teams it was home to weren't very good.
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On February 9, 1964, a rift in the space-time continuum occurred on "The Ed Sullivan Show" when the mop-haired Beatles took the stage. Western pop culture would never again be the same.
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In response to major civil disturbances, President Johnson signed the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which almost immediately became law. The act was aimed at eliminating discrimination at the polls.
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In 1962, after years of substance abuse and public decline, Marilyn Monroe was found dead at her home. The news of her untimely death shocked the world.
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It was an extravaganza of unimaginable scale -- the World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens (New York). More than 50 million people visited the sprawling exhibits.
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After hearing JFK's inspiring inaugural address, James Meredith decided to apply to the University of Mississippi, an area where black oppression was still the norm. Twice denied, he was eventually accepted … and the rioting began.
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"True Grit" starred the likes of Kim Darby, Glen Campbell … and John Wayne, who won Best Actor for his performance. For the famous role, Wayne donned a pirate-style black eye patch.
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From '43 to '63, Alcatraz Island was home to a well-known federal prison. The facility closed in 1963 due to the unmanageable costs.
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In the first-ever televised presidential debate, Nixon squared off against JFK. The latter man's handsome looks and distinctive voice helped him win the debate, even though both men showed equal intellectual ability.
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In 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President Kennedy in Dallas. Days later, Oswald himself was gunned down by -- on live television -- by Jack Ruby.
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Clay won the gold medal and later became the biggest celebrity ever in boxing. After his conversion to Islam, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali.
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In March '65, a "teach-in" was held at the University of Michigan. The overnight event was meant to address the horrors of the Vietnam War.
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In '67, coach John Wooden led his UCLA Bruins to an NCAA basketball title. The team would win seven -- yes, seven -- consecutive titles under his tutelage.
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Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" documented the discontentment of American women in the '50s and '60s, placing much of the blame on the rigid mother-housewife role that dominated the era. Her book is often credited with launching another round of feminism in America.
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It was one of America's finest moments in the 20th century. On July 20, 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission hit the high notes -- Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon.
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What began as a run-of-the-mill music fest turned into muddy, sloppy symbol of the Sixties. That August, Woodstock found nearly half a million music fans yearning for a new way forward after a decade of tumult.
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In 1962, Julia Child became the original TV chef. Only instead of parading her ego cable TV style, she was known for his infectious love of food … and in particular, butter.
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From '61 to '66, the Petries were the happy family in ""The Dick Van Dyke Show," which got its start on CBS. The show starred Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore.
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With just one book, Harper Lee became an icon of the 20th century. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a dramatic and moving account of racism and injustice in America.
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In 1962, Bob Dylan unveiled his first album, named … "Bob Dylan." In true Dylan style, it took just days to record the album.
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He wasn't just a football player -- Jim Brown was a running back turned movie star, living life at a 10 wherever he went. He led the Cleveland Browns to the '64 NFL title.
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"The Flintstones" ran on ABC from 1960 to 1966. In a TV first, the cartoon held a prime time slot in the evenings, garnering fans young and old.
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After years of desperate existential loneliness, Barbie finally found her man -- Ken, who debuted in 1961. Barbie and Ken's love caught fire, which was dangerous because burning plastic creates toxic fumes.
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During a rehearsal in early 1967, Apollo 1 came to an abrupt end with a cockpit fire. All three crew members were killed in the catastrophe.
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