Important People of the 1960s Flashcards

Study Notes

Important Figures of the 1960s

Barry Goldwater
- Republican candidate in the 1964 presidential election against Lyndon B. Johnson.
- His loss marked a significant defeat for the conservative movement at the time.
Betty Friedan
- Influential feminist author of "The Feminine Mystique."
- A pivotal figure in the women's rights movement in the 1960s.
Cesar Chavez
- Labor leader who championed the rights of Hispanic agricultural workers.
- Organized protests and advocated for better conditions in southern agricultural regions.
Earl Warren
- Chief Justice of the United States during significant civil rights advancements.
- Led the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
George Wallace
- Governor of Alabama known for his strong opposition to desegregation.
- Ran as a third-party candidate in the 1968 presidential election.
Ho Chi Minh
- Leader of North Vietnam who sought independence from foreign influence.
- Became a symbol of resistance against colonialism in Vietnam.
John F. Kennedy
- 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.
- His presidency saw the escalation of the Vietnam War.
Lyndon B. Johnson
- Vice President under Kennedy who assumed the presidency following JFK's assassination.
- Known for his Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.
Malcolm X
- Prominent civil rights leader and vocal advocate for Black empowerment.
- Associated with the Nation of Islam, promoting more militant approaches to civil rights.
Martin Luther King Jr.
- Key leader in the American civil rights movement, known for his nonviolent protest strategies.
- Assassinated in 1968, he was a pastor and co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Medgar Evers
- Civil rights activist and NAACP leader murdered in 1963.
- His death highlighted the dangers faced by civil rights advocates.
Nikita Khrushchev
- Leader of the Soviet Union after Joseph Stalin, known for his role during the Cold War.
- Significant events during his leadership include the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Richard Nixon
- California senator who lost to Kennedy in the 1960 presidential race.
- Later became the 37th President of the United States in 1968.
Timothy Leary
- College professor and psychologist known for advocating the use of hallucinogenic drugs for personal and spiritual growth.
- Fired from his teaching position due to his controversial views on drug use.

Description

This quiz features key individuals from the 1960s, including influential politicians, activists, and judges. Test your knowledge on their contributions and significance during this transformative decade in American history. Ideal for students or anyone interested in 1960s history.