The 1960s were a time of great change and upheaval in American history. It was a decade defined by major social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the beginnings of the counterculture. Music and fashion were also evolving rapidly, with the rise of rock and roll and new trends. Reading about this era will help us understand the world of the characters in The Outsiders, a novel set in the early part of the decade. By learning about the 1960s, you'll gain insight into the social divisions and conflicts that shape the story's themes.
Before you dive into the world of The Outsiders, let's travel back in time to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1960s. This was a city with a hidden history of conflict, especially between different social classes. As you research, think about how the real-life setting of Tulsa may have inspired the tension between the Greasers and the Socs.
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Video
Tulsa Massacre of 1921*This event helped shaped life in Tulsa for years to come.
Time Travel to Tulsa, OK Video
Think about how the car you drive today says something about you. In the 1960s, a car was a huge part of a person's identity and social status. As we get ready to read The Outsiders, we'll explore how the cars in the story are more than just transportation - they're symbols of who you are and where you fit in.
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Automobiles of the 1960s - Gale Database
Have you ever felt misunderstood or like you don't fit in? In the 1960s, a new kind of teenage rebel emerged, often challenging society's rules and expectations. We'll explore how these real-life rebels, from beatniks to rock and roll fans, inspired the characters and conflicts you're about to read in The Outsiders.
The 1960s: Polarization, Cynicism, and the Youth Rebellion
Digital History: The Youth Revolt
The Eruption of Youth Culture in America
Think about the clothes, hair, and style of teenagers in the 1960s. How might their fashion choices have shown if they were rich or poor? What does a person's style tell us about their identity?
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Greasers of the 1950s: Styles, History and Vintage Photos
What causes two different groups of teenagers to see each other as enemies? In the 1960s, these youth conflicts, sometimes called "turf wars," were often about more than just a street or a neighborhood. We'll explore how these real-life rivalries were influenced by social class, and how they connect to the fictional gangs in the novel The Outsiders.
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Rumble on the Docks: Teen Warfare Hits Brooklyn
Homes for Wayward Boys: A Look Back at the Evolution of Greaser Youth and Culture
What music do you listen to, and how does it connect you to your friends? In the 1960s, rock and roll was more than just a style of music; it was the anthem for an entire generation. We'll discover how this new sound created a shared identity for young people and became the powerful soundtrack to their rebellion against the adult world.
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