COMMISSION: research into 1960s

Commonly referred to as "the swinging sixties," this decade was a breath of fresh air for Britain. London transformed from a grey, conservative city still weary from world war 2 into a pinnacle of freedom and hope for the world.
 Free from conscription, there was an emergence of youth culture. Parents that had been forced to fight in world war two wanted their children to celebrate their youth and freedom. Arts, especially music played a big part in defining Britain in the 60s. While Rock and Roll had already been introduced to Britain in the 50s, the 60s brought the "British Invasion" groups such as the Beatles. The Beatles are a key example into how Britain changed in the 60s, moving from rock and roll to a more experimental sound that influenced many bands as well as turning their lyrics towards a more socially aware viewpoint. The youth of Britain began to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.
 Recreational drugs became a large part of late sixties British culture. Images of people high on LSD dancing through fields of woodstock festival became iconic and showbiz was quickly influencing the younger generations looking for fun. The hippie movement was spurred on by LSDs effects and this was reflected through psychedelic art of many forms. Vibrant colours and exciting patterns reflected Britain's newfound creativity and feeling of freedom.
 Despite not being directly involved in the Vietnam War, it was brought to the attention of british peoples through musicians such as John Lennon. Only just escaping the post-war depression, artists used their positions to highlight the horrors of war and encourage peace and freedom. People began to question authority, an aspect of life that wouldn't have been thought of a decade ago.
 Feminism became an increasingly influential ideology within the sixties, allowing women more independence and control over their own lives. In 1967 the pill became legalised for all women and provided the opportunity for women to follow their own dreams beyond marriage and motherhood. In 1968, 850 women at a Ford factory in Dagenham went on strike to protest inequal pay and saw the Equal Pay Act of 1970 passed. Women also started to become more involved with politics and in 1968 Barbara Castle became the only women to be appointed as First Secretary of State.
 Major advancements in technology changed how the British people spent their leisure time, every teenager owned a transistor radio and colour televisions were beginning to become more popular. As the decade ended the impossible was achieved as humankind stepped their first steps on the moon; people began to dream for bigger and better and the decade ended on a point of optimism.
 Despite bleak beginnings, the sixties ended as a technicolour wonder for Britain, allowing people the freedom to be themselves as they'd fought so hard for.