The Manson Family was a cult led by Charles Manson in the late 1960s. Manson believed in an impending apocalyptic race war and used his followers to carry out violent acts. The group gained notoriety for a series of murders in 1969, including the infamous killing of actress Sharon Tate. The Manson Family consisted mainly of young people who were drawn to Manson's charismatic personality and countercultural ideals. After the murders, many members were arrested and convicted, leading to a significant media frenzy and public fascination with the case, which remains a topic of discussion in true crime circles today.