Interpretations of the 1960s & 70s Counterculture in America

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet exploring different interpretations of the American counterculture movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Students will compare historian perspectives and evaluate their arguments.

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Interpretations of the 1960s & 70s Counterculture in America

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historian Perspectives on the Counterculture Movement

Historian A: John Doe – Economic Perspective

"Historian A argues that the counterculture movement was primarily driven by economic discontent among young Americans. They suggest that economic inequalities, lack of job opportunities, and consumer dissatisfaction fueled the youth's rejection of mainstream society. The movement's emphasis on anti-establishment values and alternative lifestyles was, in part, a response to economic frustrations and a desire for financial independence. This perspective highlights how economic factors shaped the protests, music, and lifestyle choices of the era."

Historian B: Jane Smith – Social Perspective

"Historian B contends that the counterculture was chiefly a social revolution rooted in values of peace, freedom, and individual expression. They emphasize the influence of the civil rights movement, anti-Vietnam War protests, and a desire for social change. According to this view, the movement was about challenging traditional social norms, advocating for civil rights, and exploring new ways of life. This perspective focuses on cultural and social shifts rather than economic causes."

1.
Summarize each historian's view on the causes of the counterculture movement. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Explain why the two historians have different views about the causes of the counterculture. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
3.
Compare which perspective you find more convincing and explain why. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Identify two ways in which the counterculture movement challenged traditional American society. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Outline two reasons why some people viewed the counterculture movement negatively. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Evaluate which historian's interpretation is more convincing regarding the causes of the counterculture. Support your answer with reasons. (8 marks)
[8 marks]
7.
Describe two key events associated with the counterculture movement. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
8.
Explain how the counterculture movement influenced American society in the 1960s and 1970s. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet