20th Century American History: Week 6, The 1960s PDF

20th century American History Week 6 : The 1960s (Part 1) : Protest in the Great Society The Great Society Leader: President Lyndon B. Johnson (elected 1964, succeeding JFK). Vision: Promote abundance for all Americans....

20th century American History Week 6 : The 1960s (Part 1) : Protest in the Great Society The Great Society Leader: President Lyndon B. Johnson (elected 1964, succeeding JFK). Vision: Promote abundance for all Americans. End discrimination to achieve equal rights and justice, regardless of sex or race. Key Reforms: 1. Social Security Act of 1965: ○ Medicare: Health insurance for the elderly. ○ Medicaid: Health insurance for low-income individuals. 2. Civil Rights Act of 1964: ○ Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. ○ A pivotal moment in the fight for equality and justice. 3. Economic Opportunity Act of 1964: ○ Core of the War on Poverty. ○ Established the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO): Oversaw community-based programs aimed at poverty alleviation. Focused on education, job training, and community development. 4. Extension of the New Deal's "Three Rs": ○ Relief: Assistance for the poor. ○ Recovery: Economic rejuvenation. ○ Reform: Structural improvements in the financial system. Challenges and Backlash: Vietnam War: ○ Escalating militarization under Johnson. ○ Rise of antiwar sentiment, further polarizing society. Civil Rights Struggles: ○ Continued systemic discrimination against African Americans, fueling movements like Black Power.  Women's Rights Movement (Second Wave Feminism) Betty Friedan and Feminism in the 1960s-1970s: Historical Context: ○ First Wave (1920s): Focused on women’s suffrage, culminating in the 19th Amendment (1920) granting women the right to vote. ○ Second Wave (1960s-1970s): Centered on broader equality, workplace rights, and societal roles. Key Figure: Betty Friedan: ○ 1943: “Men, there’s a revolution brewing in the American kitchen.” ○ 1963: The Feminine Mystique—exposed “the problem that has no name,” addressing women’s dissatisfaction with limited societal roles. ○ Influenced by Simone de Beauvoir (The Second Sex). ○ 1966: Co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW): Advocated for legal and workplace equality, reproductive rights, and anti-discrimination policies. The Student Movement Historical Context: Social Tensions: ○ Widening gap between the rich and poor. ○ Minority groups denied equal rights. ○ Growing discontent with the Vietnam War. Cultural Shift: ○ Rise of teenagers and the baby boom generation with unique cultural identities. ○ Counterculture revolved around Rock n' Roll and pop music. Catalyst Events: ○ Assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963): Shattered idealism, leaving many young Americans disillusioned.  The March on Washington (August 28, 1963) Context: Organized by A. Philip Randolph, with major leaders: ○ Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK): Delivered the historic "I Have a Dream" speech. ○ Roy Wilkins (NAACP) ○ John Lewis (SNCC): Represented the student voice. Goals: Push for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. End all forms of discrimination in employment, education, and public life. Significance: Nationally televised, amplifying its impact. Symbolically traced the march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial (site of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863). Criticism: Malcolm X: Called the march "too pacifist," highlighting tensions within the civil rights movement. Key Black Organizations in the Civil Rights Movement 1. NAACP (1909): ○ Leaders: W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells, Roy Wilkins. ○ Focus: Legal battles against segregation and discrimination. 2. SNCC (1960): ○ Advocated for nonviolent resistance and grassroots organizing. ○ Played a major role in sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives. Additional Notes for Contextual Understanding The 1960s were characterized by simultaneous progress and polarization. ○ Progress: Civil rights legislation and social reforms under the Great Society. ○ Polarization: The Vietnam War and domestic resistance to rapid cultural change. Legacy of the 1960s: ○ Inspired subsequent social movements: LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, and more. ○ Highlighted the power of mass mobilization and grassroots activism in shaping policy.  Week 7 : The 1960s (Part 2) : Radicalization Yippies (Youth International Party) Who: A countercultural and antiwar group. Beliefs: ○ Opposed the Vietnam War. ○ Advocated against sexual and cultural repression. ○ Promoted radical and theatrical protests to challenge societal norms. Black Power Movement Key Ideas: What: A shift from integration-focused civil rights activism to emphasizing self-determination, pride, and empowerment for Black Americans. Influences: ○ Malcolm X: Advocated Pan-Africanism, socialism, and the term "Black" to replace "Negro." ○ Stokely Carmichael: Coined "Black Power" as a rallying cry for empowerment. Timeline: 1. June 6, 1966: ○ James Meredith led a march to promote voting rights following the Voting Rights Act (1965). ○ Meredith was shot, and the incident ignited the "Black Power" movement. 2. October 1966: ○ Black Panther Party founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. ○ Demanded an immediate end to police brutality and advocated for self-defense using firearms. Characteristics: Focused on Black consciousness, pride, and activism. Advocated community-based programs (e.g., free breakfasts for children). Confronted police brutality directly. Limits: Increased violence led to: ○ Loss of white liberal support. ○ Alienation of older generations. ○ Accusations of sexism within the movement  Stokely Carmichael Key Contributions: ○ SNCC Chairman: Advocate for grassroots activism. ○ Lowndes County Freedom Organization (1964): Used the Black Panther as a symbol. ○ Coined "Black Power" (1966). Philosophy: ○ Transitioned from nonviolence to advocating self-defense and Pan-Africanism. ○ Emphasized economic empowerment and global Black solidarity. Later Life: ○ Exiled to Guinea, where he helped create the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party to promote Pan-Africanism. ○ Authored Stokely Speaks: Black Power Back to Pan-Africanism (1971). Feminism and Intersectionality Second-Wave Feminism (1960s-1980s): Focus: ○ Reproductive rights. ○ Workplace equality. ○ Domestic violence awareness. Intersectional Feminism: Addressed unique struggles of ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ women. Examples of Non-White Feminist Organizations: 1. Combahee River Collective: Focused on issues of Black and lesbian women. 2. Chicana Activism: Advocated for the rights of Mexican-American women. Slogan: "The personal is political"—highlighted how private issues (e.g., domestic violence, financial dependence) reflect systemic inequalities.  The Peace Movement Context: ○ Grew out of opposition to the Vietnam War and nuclear weapons. ○ Advocated for nonviolence and social justice. Key Groups: 1. Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW): Composed of former soldiers who opposed the war. 2. Hippie Movement: Promoted peace, love, and communal living. 3. Weather Underground Organization: A more radical offshoot, advocated direct action and bombings against U.S. government institutions. Wounded Knee (1973) Background: Location: Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Inspired by the Black Panther Party’s confrontational tactics. Events: February 27, 1973: Activists from the American Indian Movement (AIM) occupied Wounded Knee. Demands: ○ Removal of Richard Wilson (tribal president) accused of corruption. ○ Government respect for treaties with Native Americans. Significance: Symbolism: Referenced the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre where 300 Lakota people were killed. Casualties: Two FBI agents and one Native American died in the standoff.  Stonewall Riots (1969) What: Took place at the Stonewall Inn, a mafia-owned gay bar in NYC. June 28, 1969: A police raid led to violence and protests against discriminatory treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Legacy: Sparked the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. Established June as Pride Month. Key Figure: Marsha P. Johnson: ○ Co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to support homeless LGBTQ+ youth. ○ Worked with ACT UP and Gay Liberation Front. The Gay Rights Movement Claims Inspired by Other Movements: 1. "Gay is Beautiful" (inspired by "Black is Beautiful"). 2. "The personal is political." Exam Tips and Key Connections Draw parallels between movements (e.g., Black Power and Second-Wave Feminism’s focus on identity and empowerment). Emphasize how marginalized groups adopted and adapted tactics from one another (e.g., AIM adopting Black Panther strategies). Note the significance of landmark moments (e.g., Voting Rights Act, Stonewall) and their broader social implications.  Week 8 : The 1970s Crises 1. A Period of Disorder and Change Key Characteristics: ○ Marked by protests, riots, and cultural upheaval. ○ Civil rights movements (e.g., Black Power, LGBTQ+ activism). ○ Counterculture movements: Hippies, Yippies, and anti war protests. Major Events of 1968: ○ Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Tennessee (April 1968). ○ Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy during his presidential campaign (June 1968). 2. Riot in Chicago (1968 Democratic National Convention) Background: ○ Debate over President Lyndon B. Johnson’s handling of the Vietnam War divided the Democratic Party. ○ Johnson declined reelection. Vice President Hubert Humphrey became the nominee despite opposition from anti-war candidates Eugene McCarthy and Robert F. Kennedy. The Riot: ○ August 26-29, 1968: Protests in Chicago turned violent after Mayor Richard Daley deployed the National Guard and police. ○ Slogan: "The whole world is watching," as the events were televised, exposing police brutality. Key Notion: The 1968 Election Candidates: ○ Richard Nixon (Republican): Advocated for “law and order,” appealing to the "Silent Majority" (white middle-class families). ○ Hubert Humphrey (Democrat): Johnson’s Vice President, supported civil rights but was tied to pro-war policies. ○ George Wallace (Independent): Alabama governor, segregationist, appealed to Southern voters. Outcome: ○ Nixon won narrowly: 43.3% of the popular vote vs. Humphrey's 42.7%. ○ Wallace gained 13.5%, reflecting regional divides. ○ Democrats retained control of Congress, limiting Nixon’s legislative power.  3. Nixon and the Vietnam War Policy: ○ Promised "Peace with Honor" through Vietnamization—transferring combat roles to South Vietnamese forces. ○ Escalated bombings in North Vietnam and extended operations into Cambodia. Consequences: ○ By 1972: Only 27,000 U.S. troops remained in Vietnam. ○ 1973: War Powers Act passed, requiring congressional approval for military actions. ○ Vietnam fell to communism in 1975, as did Cambodia and Laos. Key Notion: The Silent Majority Who: ○ Nixon’s target demographic—white, middle-class families. Concerns: ○ Integration (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education in 1954). ○ Counterculture (e.g., drug use, sexual liberation). ○ Rising protests and social unrest. 4. Nixon Doctrine (1969-1974) Key Policy: ○ U.S. would support allies with money and resources, but not direct military involvement. ○ Contrasted with the interventionist Truman Doctrine. Détente and Triangular Diplomacy: ○ China: Recognized the People’s Republic of China, facilitating cultural exchanges. ○ Soviet Union: Improved relations through arms control agreements like SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks). 5. Watergate Scandal What Happened: ○ June 17, 1972: Burglars linked to Nixon’s reelection committee (CREEP) broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters. ○ Tapes revealed Nixon’s involvement in covering up the break-in. Outcome: ○ Facing impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974—the first U.S. president to do so. ○ Vice President Gerald Ford assumed the presidency.  6. Sun Belt vs. Rust Belt Sun Belt: ○ Southern U.S. region (coined by Kevin Phillips in 1969). ○ Growth due to WWII-era military industries and new farming technologies. ○ Became the most populated region with significant electoral influence. Rust Belt: ○ Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. (New York through the Midwest). ○ Declined with the collapse of industrial jobs. Deindustrialization Effects: Detroit: Factories moved to suburbs, disproportionately affecting African Americans. Rising unemployment among Black workers (19% by 1960 vs. 5.8% for whites). Led to ideological shifts blaming individuals rather than systemic issues. 7. OPEC and the 1973 Oil Crisis What is OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Crisis: Imposed an oil embargo on nations supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War (Syria, Jordan, Egypt vs. Israel). Impact on the U.S.: ○ Severe energy shortages until negotiations ended the embargo in 1974. ○ Prompted reevaluation of U.S. dominance as a global superpower. 8. Gender, Family, and Ethnic Wars Milestones: ○ 1967: Interracial marriage legalized nationwide (Loving v. Virginia). ○ 1973: Roe v. Wade secured the right to abortion until the third trimester. ○ Title VII (1964 Civil Rights Act): Banned employment discrimination. ○ 1973: Homosexuality no longer classified as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association. Opposition: ○ Anti-Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) campaigns led by Phyllis Schlafly. ○ Evangelical Christian groups.  9. Crisis of Confidence Jimmy Carter’s Speech (July 15, 1979): ○ Addressed the energy crisis and American disillusionment with government. ○ Known as the "Malaise Speech," reflecting a national loss of faith. Reagan’s Response: ○ Criticized Carter’s pessimism, framing himself as a champion of hope and renewal. ○ Famous campaign quip: “A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose yours. A recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his.” Key Connections for Exams Link Nixon’s policies (Vietnamization, détente) to broader shifts in U.S. foreign policy. Compare Carter’s "Crisis of Confidence" speech with Reagan’s optimistic messaging. Discuss how deindustrialization and the Sun Belt’s rise shaped economic and political trends.  Week 9 : Currents and dynamics of conservatism 1. Overview of the Era Economic Challenges: ○ 1980s: High inflation ("stagflation") and unemployment. ○ Declining belief in American exceptionalism due to international setbacks. Cultural Divide: ○ Progressive Trends: Sexual liberation, upheld by Roe v. Wade (1973) and changing gender norms. ○ Conservative Backlash: Rise of Christian conservatism and revival of traditional values. Key Republican Presidents: ○ Ronald Reagan (1980, 1984). ○ George H.W. Bush (1988). ○ George W. Bush (2000). Political Revival: ○ Conservative dominance in the presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives. ○ Christian groups like the Moral Majority (1979-1989), led by Jerry Falwell, campaigned against abortion and the ERA. 2. 1980 Presidential Election Candidates: ○ Jimmy Carter (Democrat): Struggled with the "Crisis of Confidence" speech, blamed Americans for societal failures. Failed to resolve the energy crisis and rising inflation. ○ Ronald Reagan (Republican): Famous quote: "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Advocated Reaganomics and attacked Carter’s record. Capitalized on rising conservative sentiment, portraying himself as a strong leader. Outcome: ○ Reagan’s landslide victory marked the resurgence of conservatism.  3. Key Developments and Policies Business Lobbies and Think Tanks Examples: ○ Heritage Foundation. ○ National Association of Manufacturers. Neoconservatism Definition: ○ Emerged in the 1960s-1970s as liberals became disillusioned with counter-culture movements. ○ Blamed societal decline on drug use, moral erosion, and challenges to family values. Key Beliefs: ○ Support for interventionist foreign policy against détente. ○ Concern over leftist ideologies in education (e.g., feminism, Marxism). New Right vs. New Left The New Right (Conservative Coalition): ○ Alliance of Christian leaders and business elites. ○ Advocated for: Restoration of traditional values. Opposition to social programs like welfare. Religion in education and media influence (e.g., televangelists like Pat Robertson). Impact: ○ Helped Reagan win in 1980. Reagan’s Policies Deregulation: ○ Reduced federal oversight in public services, healthcare, and environmental protection. ○ Rolled back New Deal and Fair Deal programs. Foreign Policy: ○ Described the Soviet Union as the "Evil Empire" in 1983. ○ Advocated for confrontation during the Cold War. ○ Initiated the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) or "Star Wars" missile defense program. Reaganomics: ○ Focused on supply-side economics or "trickle-down" theory. ○ Key measures: 25% tax cut in his first term, favoring higher income brackets. Reduced inflation from 13.5% to 3.2%. ○ Criticism:  National debt tripled from $1 trillion to $3 trillion. Widened income inequality. Neoliberalism Definition: ○ Economic philosophy tied to Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. ○ Emphasized privatization, tax cuts, and deregulation. Social Conservatism: ○ Defended traditional family values and opposed multiculturalism. Sandra Day O’Connor Background: ○ First woman appointed to the Supreme Court by Reagan (1981). ○ Moderate Republican, opposed overturning Roe v. Wade. ○ Advocate for women’s rights despite serving in a conservative era. Legacy: ○ Paved the way for women in law and politics. ○ Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009) by President Obama. 4. Pat Buchanan and the 1990s "Culture Wars" Political Orientation: ○ Conservative commentator and journalist. ○ Key speechwriter for Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan. Views on American Society: ○ Defined the 1990s as a period of “culture wars.” ○ Famous "Culture War" speech (1992 Republican National Convention): Framed the election as a religious and cultural struggle for the soul of America. Opposed liberal policies represented by the Clintons. Key Themes to Remember Economic: Reaganomics reduced inflation but widened inequality and increased debt. Cultural: Neoconservatism and the New Right pushed back against counterculture movements. Political: Conservatism dominated through Republican presidents and policies like deregulation and tax cuts. Social: The "culture wars" highlighted divisions over morality, religion, and national identity. Currents