Hippies, a subculture that emerged in the 1960s, had a significant impact on the history of the United States. They were characterized by their rejection of mainstream society and its values, their embrace of music, drugs, and communal living. It is essential to teach students about hippies in the 70s, as they played a key role in shaping American culture.

One of the most iconic aspects of the hippie movement was their fashion and appearance. They dressed in bell-bottoms, tie-dye shirts, vests, and headbands. They also grew their hair long for both political and fashion reasons. They believed that long hair was a symbol of freedom and non-conformity. The movement was not only about fashion, but also about unity, which led to the emergence of the famous peace symbol.

Hippies promoted a free and liberal lifestyle. They believed in the power of love and forgiveness, rejecting hate in all forms. They embraced environmentalism, advocating for the protection of nature and the environment. They also fought for posterities’ rights through protests and nonviolent demonstrations, including the April 1970 nationwide student strike to demonstrate against the Vietnam War.

Music played a significant role in the hippie movement. Many great musicians of the 60s and 70s, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles, were heavily influenced by the movement. They wrote songs calling for peace, love, and unity; which captured the spirit of the hippie generation. Music festivals like Woodstock brought hundreds of thousands of hippies together for three days of music, love, and peace.

The drug culture, which emerged alongside the hippie movement, was viewed with concern by many. Hippies were known for using hallucinogenic drugs like LSD, mushrooms, and marijuana, stoking fears amongst the more conservative mainstream America. The drug culture was seen as a way for the hippies to escape from the reality they rejected.

Integration of hippies into the mainstream of society was a challenge. Many traditionalists viewed them as a threat to society because of their unconventional nature. By the late 1970s, the movement started to decline. Prominent musicians who had championed the movement either retired, faded into obscurity, or moved on to different genres.

Teaching students about the hippie movement in the 70s is an important part of American history. By discussing the hippie culture with students in schools, educational institutions, and online learning, we can learn from the mistakes and positive aspects of that movement. It’s essential to understand that the hippies in the 70s were not anti-establishment, but their desire for change and the transformation to a peaceful world is a universal goal that we should all strive to achieve.