Anti-Slavery
Blowin' in the Wind incorporates a melody sung by slaves in the spirit of freedom. The former slaves from Britain who made their way to Canada would often chant the melody that called for no more auctioning of African-Americans after slavery had been abolished in Britain.
Anti-War
In the song, Dylan addresses the senseless need for America to go to war and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. He called out the older generation in Congress and the larger US government to withdraw its troops from foreign nations. He criticized the imperialistic ambitions of the United States Army and the escalating cold war. Dylan called for peace and understanding.
Protest/ Civil Rights Movement/ Anti-Segregation
Blowin' in the Wind was released around the time the civil rights movement was getting into public spaces and protesting for change and equality. Dylan was praised for bringing to life the pain and suffering of Black America in a powerful song despite being a Caucasian man. Soon after, people began using the song as a protest anthem.
