John Bertram Oakes, editor of the New York Times editorial page from 1961 to 1976, was the creator of the contemporary op-ed page, featuring the opinions of both the newspaper and external writers. Under his guidance, the Times editorials moved from cautiously worded dispassionate views to more rousing, liberal calls for social change, particularly for ending the war in Vietnam, promoting civil rights, and protecting the environment. Through his Times environmental editorials, Oakes became a key coalescing force in the modern environmental movement.