1960s: Affirmative action programs begin during the Kennedy administration (1961-1963). Such programs are designed to redress historic disadvantages suffered by minority groups.

Today: Affirmative action programs remain in place, although conservatives generally oppose them and even some liberals question their desirability in their present form.

1960s: In 1969, American troop strength in Vietnam reaches its peak, with 543,000 troops stationed in South Vietnam. Anti-war demonstrations in the United States also peak. In November 1969, some 250,000 demonstrators march in Washington, D.C.

Today: The United States enjoys normal trade and diplomatic relations with Vietnam, even though Vietnam is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world.

1960s: The feminist movement becomes a force in American society. Thousands of women no longer see their roles solely as wives and mothers and demand equal opportunities in employment, as well as equal pay for equal work.

Today: Women find...