Debating the 1960s explores the decade through the controversies between radicals, liberals, and conservatives. The focus is on four main areas of contention: social welfare, civil rights, foreign relations, and social order. The book also examines the emergence of the New Left and the modern conservative movement. Combining analytical essays and historical documents, the book highlights the polarization of the era and assesses the enduring importance of the 1960s on contemporary American politics and society.

Part I: The Liberal-Radical Debates of the 1960s Chapter 1: Excerpts from "The Port Huron Statement" Chapter 2: "Radio and Television Report on Civil Rights" Chapter 3: "Remarks on Signing the Economic Opportunity Act" Chapter 4: "An Interracial Movement of the Poor?" Chapter 5: "Peace Without Conquest" Chapter 6: "Name the System!" Chapter 7: Excerpts from "Rights in the Conflict: Chicago's 7 Brutal Days" Part II: The Liberal-Conservative Debates of the 1960s Chapter 8: The Sharon Statement Chapter 9: Principles of the John Birch Society Chapter 10: Excerpts from John Kennedy's Commencement Address (American University) Chapter 11: Excerpts from Lyndon Johnson's Commencement Address (University of Michigan) Chapter 12: Excerpts from Barry Goldwater's Acceptance Speech (Republican Convention) Chapter 13: Excerpts from Ronald Reagan's "A Time for Choosing" Chapter 14: Excerpts from Richard Nixon's Acceptance Speech (Republican Convention)