During the 1960s, the United States had become a more open, more tolerant-in a word, freer-country. Defend or refute this statement.

The 1960s in the United States was a time of significant social and cultural change, marked by the civil rights movement, the women's liberation movement, and the anti-war movement. These movements challenged the existing social and political norms and sought to create a more open and tolerant society. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were landmark pieces of legislation that aimed to end segregation and ensure equal voting rights for African Americans. The women's liberation movement also gained momentum during this time, leading to the passage of Title IX in 1972, which prohibited sex discrimination in education. Additionally, the anti-war movement protested U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and called for an end to the conflict. While these movements did lead to significant progress in terms of civil rights and social justice, it is important to note that the 1960s also saw widespread social unrest and violence, including race riots and political assassinations. Therefore, while the United States did become more open and tolerant in many ways during the 1960s, it was also a time of great division and conflict.