Final answer:
The movement in the 1960s that demonstrated for peace, particularly against the Vietnam War, was part of the broader New Left political movement. It involved teach-ins, mass protests, and cultural expressions of dissent, reflecting a decade of significant social challenge and change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Antiwar Movement of the 1960s
The movement that began in the 1960s demonstrating for peace, specifically against the Vietnam War, was part of what came to be known as the New Left. This political movement was marked by protests and teach-ins conducted by student groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). The activism of the New Left sought to challenge the established social order by demanding immediate withdrawal from Vietnam, severe criticism of the government, and changes in several areas, including gender and race relations.
The New Left's activism was sparked by events like the Free Speech Movement in Berkeley and built momentum as high-profile teach-ins spread across college campuses. Notably in April 1965, SDS organized a march on Washington that drew about twenty thousand participants, highlighting the growing national dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War. This era also saw the rise of feminist activity with leaders like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem advocating for women's social and economic equality, reflecting the broader countercultural spirit of the movement.
The widespread antiwar sentiment grew beyond student activism, influencing music and culture with artists like Bob Dylan using their platform to protest the Vietnam War. Although the antiwar demonstrations were sometimes met with criticism, they effectively captured the nation's attention and propelled broader social and political changes.