1950-2000

The badges from the second half of the twentieth century indicate that the Vietnam War, particularly the moratorium marches of 1970 and 1971, marked a turning point in mass mobilisation. Conscription was a contentious issue, documented by badges indicating a growing anti-war sentiment and peace activism. This period also marked the explosion of social activism, as grassroots organisations, collectives and individuals exercised their freedom of speech to seek social change. The women’s movement, Indigenous struggles and the gay rights movement made significant advances. Environmentalism, particularly concerns about nuclear energy and weapons, also gained prominence.