The 1960s UK: A Golden Age of Youth and Progress

Recalling my childhood, the 1960s in the UK certainly stand out as a period of noticeable improvement compared to the preceding decade. Growing up in 1960, I was just 12, and the 1950s left a lasting impression characterized by cold and damp conditions. Life in the early 1960s did not start on a positive note, but by around 1965 I was thoroughly enjoying my time. The transformation was remarkable, with the quality of life improving significantly within a few years.

Positive Aspects and Personal Experiences

By 1966, I was 15 and experiencing a whirlwind of changes, both personal and societal. I was briefly expelled from school, an incident that was either for growing a beard or parking my father's Vauxhall near the school. Upon my return, I was met with a warm reception from former classmates, a testament to the camaraderie of youth. My life was undoubtedly good, as I was a drummer in a relatively successful band, and had quite a few admirers. Financially, I also started my first job in London, an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities and an income.

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Reflections and External Influences

Some might argue that life in the 1960s seemed just fine because of the positive experiences I had. However, my perspective stems from living through the British Invasion and being aware of the cultural shifts happening during that time. The vibrant music scene, represented by iconic bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Who, played a significant role in altering the mood and outlook of the decade.

The 1960s in Perspective

Reflecting on the 1960s, I had an overall positive impression, but this was mainly because I was a young child at the beginning of the decade. By the late 1960s, I moved back to the United States, coinciding with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Witnessing the tension of impending nuclear war undoubtedly influenced my views, making the late 1960s a worrying time. However, my better experiences in the UK during the 1960s compared to the US weren't solely due to the cultural differences but were also influenced by the rapidly improving conditions and societal shifts.

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Positive and Negative Experiences

Children of the 1960s in the UK held a unique set of experiences. On the positive side, outplaying and exploring all day without problems was a common activity. Walking miles and coming home at dusk were part of the daily routine, making it easier to enjoy the long summer days. These experiences fostered a sense of freedom and independence.

However, the 1960s were not without their challenges. Nasty casual racism, corrupt police, and boring Sundays were just a few of the negatives. School corporal punishment, the presence of children with polio, and the acceptance of domestic violence as a private matter were societal issues that weighed on the younger generation. Furthermore, dirty streets and the smothering of dog feces by road salt were minor concerns but significant in the day-to-day life.

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Assessing the 20th Century Decades

My parents' recollections and documentaries on the 1960s suggest that it was possibly the best decade of the 20th century. The 1990s seem to be a close second. Many aspects of the 1960s, such as social progress, technological advancements, and cultural shifts, contributed to this positive assessment.

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