Students for a Democratic Society (1960s)

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) was a prominent American student activist organization founded in 1960, aiming to challenge social injustices and promote participatory democracy. It emerged during the 1960s as part of the broader counterculture movement, advocating for civil rights, anti-war efforts (particularly against Vietnam), and greater political engagement among youth. SDS sought to address issues like economic inequality, military intervention, and corporate influence, encouraging students to become active in shaping society. With its emphasis on activism, the organization played a significant role in shaping social and political debates of the era, though it eventually fragmented amid internal disagreements.