Among the most significant subcultures in modern U.S. history, the hippies had a far-reaching impact on American society. Their influence essentially defined the 1960s—hippie anti-fashion, divergent music, dropout politics and 'make love not war' philosophy extended to virtually every corner of the world, and remain influential.

The entrenched institutions within the political and cultural establishments that the hippies challenged, or abandoned, mainly prevailed. Yet the nonviolent, egalitarian principles of the movement, so-called, underpinned an era of civic protest that brought an end to the Vietnam War. Their enduring impact was the creation of a 1960s frame of reference among millions of baby boomers, whose attitudes, values and aspirations continue to reflect the hip ethos that informed their youth.