What significant social change occurred during the 1960s in America?

The significant social change that took place during the 1960s in America was the emergence of the environmental movement. This period marked a growing awareness and recognition of environmental issues, spurred by several factors, including increased industrial pollution, the publication of influential works such as Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," and a heightened appreciation for conservation.

Citizens began to mobilize around the effects of pollution and the degradation of natural resources, leading to the first Earth Day in 1970 and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. This era saw not only grassroots activism but also the formation of legislation aimed at protecting the environment, indicating a shift in societal values towards sustainability and ecological preservation. This movement became a crucial element of public discourse and policy, influencing future generations and debates surrounding environmental protection.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the dominant social changes of the 1960s. The New Deal programs, established during the Great Depression, were not expanded during this period; rather, the focus shifted towards new social justice movements. Civil rights activism actually surged during this decade, addressing racial inequality and culminating in significant legislative achievements. Additionally, the 1960s saw the United States increasingly engaged in international affairs rather