  This lecture presents a brief overview of the early history of string theory
and supersymmetry. It describes how the S-matrix theory program for
understanding the strong nuclear force evolved into superstring theory, which
is a promising framework for constructing a unified quantum theory of all
forces including gravity. The period covered begins with S-matrix theory in the
mid 1960s and ends with the widespread acceptance of superstring theory in the
mid 1980s. Further details and additional references can be found in Schwarz
(2007).
