The 1960s, a turbulent time of great change and confusion, one marked by a profound shift in values and punctuated by a profane and often ugly war, was more than just the period defined by the decade. For some it was a time of great liberation and freedom; for others it was the time during which the United States lost its way. Attempting to explain that paradox, The Long Sixties: America, 1955-1973 is a narrative history providing a concise overview of this momentous time. The text encourages readers to reconsider what they think they know about the 1960s en route to developing a deeper understanding of the many, in some cases fundamental, changes that took place in American life. The Long Sixties provides an accessible and engaging treatment of the major political, social, and cultural developments of the period. The text includes timelines to help students understand how particular episodes transpired in quick succession, and how topics intertwined and overlapped. Ideal as a stand-alone text, it also complements The 1960s: A Documentary Reader (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009), providing narrative context and support for the primary documents provided in the sourcebook. Book jacket.