The 1960s

• The 1950s: Ireland’s Lost Decade

  • After World War II, Ireland faced many challenges: economic, social, and political.
  • Protectionism: High tariffs on imported goods protected Irish businesses but led to poorly run local businesses and expensive imports.
  • Economic Crisis: High unemployment and little investment in the economy.
• The 1950s irelands lost decades

  • Social Problems: Emigration was high, with an average of 44,000 people leaving each year in the 1950s. By 1961, the population had fallen to its lowest since the Great Famine, leading to rural depopulation.
  • Political Instability: Older leaders like Éamon de Valera and Richard Mulcahy remained in power, and weak governments in the late 1940s and 1950s led to no majority in the Dáil.
• Social Change in the 1960s

  • Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ): The 1960 Broadcasting Authority Act established an independent authority for radio and television.
  • The Catholic Church: The Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) called by Pope John XXIII in 1962 introduced significant reforms, including using the vernacular in Mass.
  • Education: In 1966, Minister for Education Donogh O’Malley introduced reforms such as free schooling up to the Intermediate Certificate, free transport to school, and grants for building schools. This increased the number of students completing secondary education.
• The US and the Wider World in the 1960s The Space Race

  • The Cold War spurred the space race between the US and the Soviet Union, driven by military and technological competition.
  • First Satellite: The Soviets launched Sputnik on 4th October 1957, leading the US to successfully launch Explorer in 1958.
  • First Man in Space: Yuri Gagarin orbited Earth on 12th April 1961, followed by John Glenn for the US in 1962. President John F. Kennedy committed to landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade.
• The Civil Rights Movement

  • African-Americans: Continued to face severe discrimination despite the abolition of slavery post-Civil War. The Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for equality through non-violent protests, boycotts, and legal action.
  • Key Events:
  • Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955): Rosa Parks' defiance led to a boycott.
  • March on Washington (1963): Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.
  • Selma March (1965): Police brutality against voting rights marchers.
• • Legislation: The Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965) outlawed discrimination and guaranteed voting rights.
• Other Protest Movements

  • Women’s Movement: Advocated for gender equality (figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Betty Friedan).
  • African National Congress: Fought apartheid in South Africa (figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu).
  • Student Movement: Campaigned against inequality and war.
• Youth Culture

  • Post-WWII baby boom led to a large, well-educated, and economically independent youth population.
  • Music: Pop stars like The Beatles and Bob Dylan addressed controversial topics.
  • Fashion: Bright colors, miniskirts, and symbols of sexual freedom.
  • Impact: Increased demand for change, delayed marriages, and more acceptance of divorce.