The 60's were a time of strong economic growth as well as high levels of anxiety due to the threat of nuclear warfare.
1.) the british invasion & the birth of rock n roll
2.) the presence and power of leaders like JFK & MLK Jr
3.) the post WWII generation was coming of age (late teens early 20s) and was rebeling against their 1950s upbringing
4.) emerging national mass media coverage of hate crimes through radio, newspaper, and television