Decades of Change Very Useful Websites for The Decades of Change (you are expected to look at them) : 1) http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAevents3.htm (events from 1940-1980) 2) http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/watergate.htm 3) http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/vietnam.html 4) http://www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/module20/index.html 5) http://www.course-notes.org/US_History/Unit_Notes/Unit_Nine_1940_1960 6) http://www.course-notes.org/US_History/Unit_Notes/Unit_Ten_1960_1990 7) http://www.course-notes.org/Vocabulary/Chapter_40_The_Eisenhower_Era - also check out the vocabulary for Chapters 41 through 43 at the same general site 8) http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/americans_rec05/book_home.htm?state=PA - navigate from this page; find the “Review Center” link to the right and use it to study key concepts and to take practice quizzes Enduring Understandings : Students will understand that … 1. People’s values and actions are influenced by the culture that surrounds them. 2. Democracy is an ongoing process that involves struggle and requires cooperation. 3. Individuals and groups can actively participate to influence the government and reform society, but are often met with opposition by those who want to protect the status quo. 4. Breaches of trust by leaders damage the public’s confidence in government. Essential Questions : 1. How does suburban life shape the individual? 2. How can people change society? 3. How far should the government go to promote equality and opportunity? 4. What happens when the government loses the support of the public? 5. Did America move closer or further away from its founding ideals in the three decades after World War II? Knowledge : All Students will know … 1. How does suburban life shape the individual? a. Effects of the GI Bill and the expansion of suburbanization, including Levittowns. b. Influence of popular culture and the role of the mass media in promoting consumerism and homogenizing (making the same throughout) American culture. c. Rock and Roll music influenced teen culture. d. Criticisms of conformity and the role of women in American society in the 1950’s. 2. How can people change society? a. The economic, political and social status of African-Americans living in the North and South after WWII. b. Leadership and ideology of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in the civil rights movement and their legacies. c. Use of organizations, marches and civil disobedience to change public opinion and pressure government action. d. Resistance to civil rights in the South between 1954 and 1965. e. Causes and effects of the modern feminism movement. 3. How far should the government go to promote equality and opportunity? a. Role of the legislative, executive and judicial branches in advancing the civil rights movement. b. Goals and effectiveness of the “Great Society” programs.
Transcript
Decades of ChangeVery Useful Websites for The Decades of Change (you are expected to look at them):
- also check out the vocabulary for Chapters 41 through 43 at the same general site8) http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/americans_rec05/book_home.htm?state=PA
- navigate from this page; find the “Review Center” link to the right and use it to study key concepts and to take practice quizzes
Enduring Understandings:
Students will understand that …
1. People’s values and actions are influenced by the culture that surrounds them.2. Democracy is an ongoing process that involves struggle and requires cooperation.3. Individuals and groups can actively participate to influence the government and reform society, but are often met with opposition by those who want to protect the status quo.4. Breaches of trust by leaders damage the public’s confidence in government.
Essential Questions:
1. How does suburban life shape the individual?2. How can people change society?3. How far should the government go to promote equality and opportunity?4. What happens when the government loses the support of the public?5. Did America move closer or further away from its founding ideals in the three decades after World War II?
Knowledge:
All Students will know …
1. How does suburban life shape the individual?a. Effects of the GI Bill and the expansion of suburbanization, including Levittowns.b. Influence of popular culture and the role of the mass media in promoting consumerism and
homogenizing (making the same throughout) American culture.c. Rock and Roll music influenced teen culture.d. Criticisms of conformity and the role of women in American society in the 1950’s.
2. How can people change society?a. The economic, political and social status of African-Americans living in the North and South after
WWII.b. Leadership and ideology of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in the civil rights movement and
their legacies.c. Use of organizations, marches and civil disobedience to change public opinion and pressure
government action.d. Resistance to civil rights in the South between 1954 and 1965.e. Causes and effects of the modern feminism movement.
3. How far should the government go to promote equality and opportunity?a. Role of the legislative, executive and judicial branches in advancing the civil rights movement.b. Goals and effectiveness of the “Great Society” programs.c. New immigration policies after 1965 and the push-pull factors that prompted a new wave of
immigrants from Asia and Latin America.d. Effectiveness of government in addressing social and environmental issues.
4. What happens when the government loses the support of the public?a. The Vietnam policy of the U.S. government, including the draft, and the shifts in public opinion about
the war.b. John F. Kennedy’s assassination contributed to the loss of idealism.c. Nixon administration’s involvement in Watergate and the role of the media in exposing the scandal.d. Constitutional issues raised by Watergate and the effects of Watergate on public opinion.
5. Did America move closer or further away from its founding ideals in the three decades after World War II?
____ philosophies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. (Similarities? Differences?)
____ society’s expectations of women (especially suburban) in the 1950’s (causes, effects, limitations, and opportunities associated with, etc.)
____ changes in the roles of women (from the 1950’s to the 1960’s)
____ President LBJ’s “Great Society” (main ideas/philosophy, programs, role of government, effects, etc.)
____ Vietnam War (its causes, main goal of the U.S., domino theory, outcome/effects)
____ effect of the military draft on the public’s support for the Vietnam War
____ beliefs of the “Hawks” and “Doves” during the Vietnam War (reasons/needs for -or against – involvement)
____ effects of Vietnam and Watergate, especially regarding the public’s trust of the government
____ effects of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident (including debate over use of nuclear energy)
(Note: The chapter numbers correspond to the chapters of the old textbook, The Americans)Chapter 19: The Postwar Boom
Source: The Americans Power Point Cd-Rom
Overview:Many Americans enjoy new material comforts (products, luxuries, etc.) and new forms of entertainment during the post-war economic boom. Yet racial gaps remain, and millions continue to live in poverty.
I. Section 1: Postwar AmericaThe Truman and Eisenhower administrations lead the nation to make social, economic, and political adjustments following World War II.
A. Readjustment and Recovery
1. *The Impact of the GI Billa. 1944 GI Bill of Rights eases veterans’ return to civilian lifeb. Pays partial tuition for college (which allows millions of people to go to college and for them and their families to have a better standard of living), gives unemployment benefits and provides loans for housing and creating businesses
1. impact/effects: “More than any other law passed by Congress, it shaped American
society in the postwar period. Millions of people whose parents or grandparents had
never dreamed of going to college saw they could go. It allowed millions of
Americans to achieve a better standard of living (quality of life) that was generally
better than that enjoyed by their parents.”
2. *Housing Crisisa. 10 million returning veterans face housing shortageb. Builders (like William Levitt’s “Levittown”) use assembly-line methods to mass-produce housesc. Build suburbs—small residential communities around cities
1. growth of the suburbs comes to symbolize the growth of the middle class
2. the “cookie-cutter” similarity of the houses in the suburbs becomes a symbol of conformity associated with the 1950’s middle-class suburbs
1. How did the geographic distribution of the U.S. population change after 1950?
2. What factors encouraged this shift?
The cartoon to the left :- pokes fun at the housing developments of the 1950s that gave Americans the “cookie-cutter“ homes and
neighborhoods they craved.
Question: According to the cartoon, what was one negative aspect of postwar suburban developments?
The image to the right:- shows a new suburban development of houses.
Question: What is conformity? Can you see why suburbs such as this one are referred to as “cookie-cutter” homes and how they
became symbolic of the conformity of the 1950’s?
Quote at the bottom (of the cartoon: “I’m Mrs. Edward M. Barnes. Where do I live?”Source: The Americans EasyPlanner CD-ROM
3. Redefining the Familya. Tensions from changed gender roles during war increase divorce rate
1. many women unhappy about being forced back into the “woman stays-at-home” role
4. Economic Readjustmenta. Over 1 million defense (military) industry workers laid off; wages drop for many workersb. Price controls end; 25% increase in cost of scarce consumer goods (inflation)c. Congress reestablishes price, wage, rent controls
5. Remarkable Recoverya. People have savings, pay from being in the service, & war bonds; begin to buy large amounts of goods and products that they were not able to have during the Great Depression and WWIIb. Cold War keeps defense spending up; foreign aid creates markets for American industriesc. *overall, the 1950’s has a stronger economy and greater prosperity in comparison to the situation before World War II
B. Meeting Economic Challenges
1. Truman Faces Strikesa. 1946, higher prices, lower wages lead 4.5 million to strikeb. Truman has govt. take control over mines, threatens to take over railroadsc. Threatens to draft workers into the military; unions give in
C. Social Unrest Persists
1. Truman Supports Civil Rightsa. African Americans, especially veterans, demand more civil rights as citizensb. Congress rejects civil rights laws; Truman issues executive orders:
1. integrates armed forces (no more segregation in them); ends discrimination in
government hiring2. The 1948 Election
a. Southern Democrats—Dixiecrats—protest civil rights, form own partyb. Truman calls special session; asks Congress for social legislationc. Congress refuses; Truman fights back
1. shows how split the nation is becoming regarding the issue of civil rights (even
members of the same political party cannot agree)
3. Stunning Upseta. Truman defeats Thomas E. Dewey in close political upset
1. the photo below shows Truman holding a newspaper that had been printed and
distributed too early; it said that he had lost!b. Democrats regain control of Congress, lose some Southern states
a. Truman’s Fair Deal is ambitious economic program, includes:1. higher minimum wage, flood control projects, low-income housing
b. Congress passes parts of Fair Deal
D. Republicans Take the Middle Road
1. I Like Ike!a. Truman’s approval rating drops over Korean War, McCarthyism
1. decides not to run for reelectionb. former WWII general Dwight D. Eisenhower wins; Republicans narrowly take over
Congress
2. Walking the “Middle of the Road” (being “moderate” on the political spectrum)a. Eisenhower conservative about money but liberal on social issuesb. Ike tries to avoid civil rights movement, which is gaining strengthc. On economy, he works for balanced budget (govt. spending = revenues) & tax cutd. Pushes social legislation, new Dept. of Health, Education, Welfaree. his popularity soars; is reelected in 1956
II. Section 2: The American Dream in the FiftiesDuring the 1950s, the economy booms, and many Americans enjoy material comfort.
A. The Organization and the Organization Man
1. Employment in the U.S.a. By 1956, majority of Americans not in “blue-collar” (industrial) jobsb. More in higher-paying, “white-collar” (office, professional) positionsc. Many in services, like sales, advertising, insurance, communications
2. Social Conformitya. Many employees with well-paid, secure jobs lose individuality (feel like a “number”, not a valued, individual worker/person)b. Personality tests see if job candidates fit in company culture (conformity)c. Companies reward teamwork, loyalty, encourage conformity
B. The Suburban Lifestyle
1. The Baby Booma. in 1950s, 85% of new homes built in suburbsb. from 1945–1965 * “baby boom”—soaring birth rate after soldiers return
1. *was a massive increase in the number of children born2. becomes symbolic of the 1950’s
Source: The Americans EasyPlanner CD-ROM
1. Just think of the impact that this generation will have on the nation’s economy, resources, etc. 2. This group is beginning to retire and that is putting a huge strain on Social Security
(bankruptcy?).
2. *Women’s Rolesa. Magazines, TV, movies glorify role of homemaker, motherb. Over 1/5 of suburban wives dissatisfied with their livesc. 1960, 40% mothers work; society’s expectations limited opportunities for women
a. Shorter work week, paid vacation, labor-saving devices free up timeb. People have time for recreational activities, spectator sportsc. Book, magazine, comic book sales climb rapidly
b. No public transit in suburbs; cars are necessary
2. The Interstate Highway Systema. Local, state roads link cities, suburbs to schools, shops, workb. Interstate Highway Act—nationwide highway network unites countryc. Highways enable long-haul trucking, new towns, family vacationsd. Towns near highways prosper; those near older, smaller roads declinee. This network of roads helped our nation’s economy to grow even faster
etc. and allowed for faster movement of people and goods
Visual: The following map shows the interstate highway system design as of 1955.
3. Mobility Takes Its Tolla. Auto boom stimulates new businesses—e.g. drive-in moviesb. Cars create social, environmental problems—e.g. accidents, pollutionc. Upper-, middle-class whites leave cities; jobs, businesses followd. Economic gulf (differences) widens between suburban and urban
1. also widens gap between middle class and the poor
D. Consumerism Unbound1. New Products
a. 60% of Americans in middle class; twice as many as before WW IIb. Consumerism (buying material goods) equated with success (definitely exists today!)c. Numerous new products appear on market in response to demand
2. Planned Obsolescencea. Planned obsolescence—making products that get outdated, wear out
1. makes consumers buy or want to buy new ones (still exists today!)a. How many versions of the I-Pad, I-Phone, and I-Pod have there
III. Section 3: Popular CultureMainstream Americans, as well as the nation’s subcultures, embrace new forms of entertainment during the 1950s.
A. New Era of the Mass Media
1. The Rise of Televisiona. Mass media—means of communication that reach large audiencesb. TV first widely available 1948; in almost 90% of homes in 1960c. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates communicationsd. By 1956, FCC allows 500 stations to broadcaste. Programs: comedies, news, dramas, variety shows, children’s showsf. Lifestyle changes: TV Guide is popular magazine; TV dinners
2. Stereotypes and TVa. Women, minorities on TV are stereotypes; few blacks, Latinosb. Raise concerns about effect of violence on children
B. A Subculture Emerges
1. The Beat Movementa. “Beat” movement—writers, artists express nonconformity (going against what most other
people are doing)b. Poets, writers use free, open form; read works aloud in coffeehousesc. Beatnik attitudes, way of life attract media attention, students
C. African Americans and Rock ‘n’ Roll
1. Rock ‘n’ Rolla. Black musicians add electric instruments to blues—rhythm and bluesb. Rock ‘n’ roll—mix of rhythm and blues, country, popc. Has heavy rhythm, simple melodies, lyrics about teenage concernsd. Music appeals to newly affluent teens who can buy records
e. Many adults concerned music will lead to delinquency, immorality
Chapter 20: The New Frontier and the Great SocietyNote: Section 20:1 was included in the previous unit of study.
Source: The Americans Power Point Cd-Rom
II. Section 2: The New FrontierWhile Kennedy has trouble getting his ideas for a New Frontier passed, several goals
are achieved.
A. The Promise of Progress
1. Kennedy’s Vision of Progressa. New Frontier— the name of Kennedy’s program for his presidency
2. Stimulating the Economya. By 1960, U.S. in recession; 6% unemployment (now = 8.3% as of Feb. 2012)b. JFK administration pushes for deficit spending to stimulate growthc. Gets 20% increase for defense; money for unemployment problems
4. Race to the Moona. April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri A. Gagarin is first man in spaceb. Soon after, U.S. puts man in space, uses satellite communicationsc. July 1969 U.S astronaut Neil Armstrong is first man to walk on moond. University science programs grow; new industries, technologies arise
5. Addressing Domestic Problems
a. 1963, JFK begins to work on poverty, racial injustice, civil rights
B. Tragedy in Dallas
1. Four Days in Novembera. November 22, 1963, JFK shot, killed riding in motorcade in Dallasb. Jack Ruby shoots alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald
a. Warren Commission investigates, concludes Oswald acted aloneb. another (different – NOT THE WARREN COMMISSION) investigation in 1979 concludes Oswald part of conspiracy (meaning more than one assassin)
III. Section 3: The Great SocietyThe demand for reform helps create a new awareness of social problems, especially on matters of civil rights and the effects of poverty.
A. Johnson’s Domestic Agenda
1. The War on Povertya. 1964 tax cut spurs economic growth; lowers federal deficitb. *1964 Civil Rights Act makes discrimination illegal, allows for better enforcement of lawsc. LBJ declares “war on poverty”
2. The 1964 Electiona. Republicans nominate Senator Barry Goldwaterb. Goldwater: government should not deal with social, economic problemsc. Threatens to bomb North Vietnam, advocates interventiond. LBJ says will not send troops to Vietnam; wins by landslidee. Democrats big majority; Southern Democrats not needed to pass bills
B. *Building the Great Society
1. *The Great Societya. Great Society—LBJ’s legislation to end poverty, discrimination
1. based on idea that the federal government had an obligation to play an
active role in improving the welfare of societyb. Johnson gets Congress to pass 206 of his bills
2. Educationa. Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds school materials
3. Healthcarea. Medicare—low-cost medical, hospital insurance for senior citizensb. Medicaid—health insurance for welfare recipients
4. Housinga. Money set aside for public housing; low-, moderate-income homesb. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development created
5. Immigrationa. Immigration Act of 1965 ends quotas based on nationality (from where they come)
6. The Environmenta. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring exposes dangers of pesticidesb. Water Quality Act of 1965 requires states to clean up riversc. LBJ orders government to search out worst chemical polluters
7. Consumer Protectiona. Laws set standards for consumer labels, auto safety, food safety
Great Society Legislation
Year Legislation What it provided
1964
24th Amendment Banned poll tax in federal elections
Civil Rights ActBanned discrimination in public accommodations and employment
Urban Mass Transportation Act
Provided financial aid for urban mass transit systems
Economic Opportunity Act
Authorized the Job Corps and VISTA
Wilderness Preservation Act
Barred commercial use in 9.1 million acres of national forest
1965
Elementary and Secondary School Act
Provided $1.3 billion in aid to schools
Medicare Provided medical aid for the elderly
Voting Rights Act Forbade literacy tests and other voting restrictions
Omnibus Housing ActDepartment of Housing and Urban Development
Provided rent supplements to low income families
National Endowment for the Arts
Provided federal assistance to the arts
Water Quality Act Required states to establish and enforce water quality standards
Immigration reform lawsAir Quality ActHigher Education Act Provided federal scholarships
1966
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety ActHighway Safety ActDepartment of Transportation
1. The Warren Courta. Warren Court—Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren
b. Rejects loyalty oaths (associated with communist scare), upholds right of free speech, church- state separation
2. Rights of the Accused
a. Warren Court rulings gave more rights and legal protections to people accused of crimes:
- illegally seized evidence cannot be used in court- courts must provide legal counsel (a lawyer) to the poor- suspect must be read rights before questioning (Miranda Rights)
b. Some praise protection of right to a fair trialc. Others think rulings handicap (hurts) police investigations
E. Impact of the Great Society
1. Social and Economic Effectsa. Post-WW II, LBJ extends federal power more than all other presidentsb. Poverty drops from 21% of population in 1962 to 11% in 1973c. Massive tax cut spurs economy; Great Society contributes to deficitd. Debate over finances, effectiveness of programs, government role
Chapter 21: Civil RightsSource: The Americans Power Point Cd-Rom
Overview:Activism, new legislation, and the Supreme Court advance equal rights for African Americans. But disagreements among civil rights groups lead to a violent period for the civil rights movement.
I. Section 1: Taking on SegregationActivism and a series of Supreme Court decisions advance equal rights for African Americans in the 1950s and 1960s.
A. The Segregation System
1. Plessy v. Fergusona. 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson ruling: “separate but equal” constitutionalb. Many states pass Jim Crow laws separating the racesc. Facilities for blacks always inferior to those for whites
2. Segregation Continues into the 20th Centurya. After Civil War, African Americans go north to escape racismb. North: housing in all-black areas, whites resent job competition
3. A Developing Civil Rights Movementa. WW II creates job opportunities for African Americansb. Need for fighting men makes armed forces end discriminatory policiesc. FDR ends government, war industries discriminationd. Returning black veterans fight for civil rights at home
Primary Source Reading: Civil Rights
The separate but equal doctrine has failed in three important respects. First it is inconsistent with the fundamental equalitarianism of the American way of life in that it marks groups with the brand of inferior status. Secondly, where it has been followed, the results have been separate and unequal facilities for minority peoples. Finally, it has kept
people apart despite incontrovertible evidence that an environment favorable to civil rights is fostered whenever groups are permitted to live and work together.
President's Committee on Civil Rights, 1947
B. Challenging Segregation in Court1. *Brown v. Board of Education
a. Marshall’s greatest victory is Brown v. Board of Education of Topekab. In 1954 case, Court unanimously strikes down school segregation (is now unconstitutional)
1. historically significant because it ruled that segregated schools violated the
Constitution; helps lead to desegregation in other aspects of society (other public
facilities)
C. Reaction to the Brown Decision1. Resistance to School Desegregation
a. Within 1 year, over 500 school districts desegregateb. Some districts, state officials, pro-white groups actively resist desegregationc. Court orders desegregation at “all deliberate speed”d. Eisenhower refuses to enforce it; considers enforcing it impossible
2. Crisis in Little Rocka. Elizabeth Eckford faces abusive crowd when she tries to enter schoolb. Eisenhower has Nat. Guard, paratroopers supervise school attendancec. African-American students harassed by whites at school all yeard. 1957 Civil Rights Act—federal government power over schools, voting
Visuals: The photo on the left shows African-American students being escorted out of a public school at the end of the day. They had to be protected by armed National Guard soldiers so they would not attacked by the white crowd. The photo to the right shows an African-American student being harassed by whites.
Photo on left - Source: http://teacherweb.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us/~careylibrary/warriors%20don't%20cry%20webquest.htmPhoto on right - Source: http://www.changethewind.org/2011/02/remembering-little-rock-nine.html
1. Boycotting Segregationa. 1955 NAACP officer Rosa Parks arrested for not giving up seat on bus (to a white person)b. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others organize a bus boycott
Visuals: (Right) Parks’ mug shot after being arrested. (Left) Parks riding in the front of the bus.
b. Get support from black community, outside groups, sympathetic whitesc. 1956, Supreme Court outlaws bus segregation
E. Martin Luther King
1. *Changing the World with Soul Forcea. King calls his brand of nonviolent resistance “soul force”
1. civil disobedience (disobeying laws in a peaceful manner and willingly suffering the
consequences), massive demonstrations
2. important quote by MLK, Jr.
“ In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds (actions). Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plain of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.”
b. King remains nonviolent in face of violence after Brown decision
F. The Movement Spreads
1. Demonstrating for Freedoma. some black leaders think pace of change too slow
1. adopt nonviolence, but call for more confrontational strategyb. use sit-ins:
1. refuse to leave segregated lunch counter until servedc. First sit-in at Greensboro, NC Woolworth’s shown nationwide on TVd. In spite of abuse, arrests, movement grows, spreads to Northe. Late 1960, lunch counters desegregated in 48 cities in 11 states
II. Section 2: The Triumphs of a CrusadeCivil rights activists break through racial barriers. Their activism prompts landmark legislation.
A. Riding for Freedom
1. Freedom Ridesa. 1961, Freedom riders—blacks, whites sit, use station facilities together
1. test Supreme Court decision banning interstate bus segregationb. Riders brutally beaten by Alabama mobs; one bus firebombed
2. Arrival of Federal Marshalsa. mob attacks ridersb. Newspapers throughout nation denounce (criticize) beatingsc. JFK sends 400 U.S. marshals to protect ridersd. segregation banned in all interstate travel facilities
B. Standing Firm
1. Heading into Birminghama. April 1963, black leaders demonstrate to desegregate Birminghamb. MLK. Jr. arrested, writes “Letter from Birmingham Jail”c. TV news show police attacking child marchers—fire hoses, dogs, clubsd. Continued protests, economic boycott, bad press end segregation
2. Kennedy Takes a Standa. June, JFK sends troops to force Gov. Wallace to desegregate University of Alabama
C. *Marching to Washington
1. The Dream of Equalitya. August 1963, over 250,000 people converge on Washington
Visual 1: MLK, Jr. and supporters exercising Visual 2: MLK, Jr. speaking to the crowd during the their constitutional right of historic march on Washington, D.C.
b. Speakers demand immediate passage of civil rights billc. King gives “I Have a Dream” speech
1. excerpt of speech shown below (source: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little
black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."2
D. Fighting for Voting Rights
1. Freedom Summera. Freedom Summer—CORE, SNCC project to register blacks to vote in MSb. Volunteers beaten, killed; businesses, homes, churches burned
2. The Selma Campaigna. 1965, voting rights demonstrator killed in Selma, ALb. King leads 600 protest marchers; TV shows police violently stop themc. Second march, with federal protection, swells to 25,000 people
3. Voting Rights Act of 1965a. after many demonstrations and violent reactions to them (by whites), Congress
finally passes Voting Rights Act of 1965b. results in more blacks getting registered to vote; literacy test (being able to read and write) requirements for voting banned
Source: The Americans EasyPlanner CD-ROM
III. Section 3: Challenges and Changes in the MovementDisagreements among civil rights groups and the rise of black nationalism create a
violent period in the fight for civil rights.
A. African Americans Seek Greater Equality1. Northern Segregation
a. De facto segregation - whites & blacks live in separate neighborhoods, not because it is lawb. WWII black migration to northern cities causes “white flight” (whites moving away from them) c. 1960s, most urban blacks live in slums; landlords ignore laws about living conditionsd. Black unemployment twice as high as whitee. Many blacks angry at treatment received from white police officers
2. Urban Violence Eruptsa. Mid-1960s, numerous clashes between white authority, black civilians
1. many result in riotsb. Many whites baffled (confused and surprised) by African-American ragec. Blacks want, need equal opportunity in jobs, housing, educationd. Money intended for the War on Poverty (would benefit many blacks) and the “Great Society” are instead redirected to the Vietnam War
B. * New Leaders Voice Discontent
1. African-American Solidarity (sticking together)a. Nation of Islam, Black Muslims, encourage blacks to be separate from whites
1. believe whites the source of black problemsb. Malcolm X—controversial Muslim leader, speaker; gets much publicity; militant; wants to
fight back against violence committed against blacks by whites
1. quote by Malcolm X:
“It is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks. It is legal and lawful to own a shotgun or a
rifle. We believe in obeying the law … the time has come for the American
Negro to fight back in self defense whenever and wherever he is being unjustly and
unlawfully attacked.”
c. Frightens whites, moderate blacks; resented by other Black Muslimsd. later assassinated
C. 1968—A Turning Point in Civil Rights
1. King’s Deatha. King objects to Black Power movement and the preaching of violence to achieve goalsb. Seems to sense own death in Memphis speech to striking workersc. Is shot, dies the following day, April 4, 1968
2. Reactions to King’s Deatha. King’s death leads to worst urban rioting in U.S. history
1. over 100 cities affectedb. Robert Kennedy assassinated two months later
D. Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement
1. Causes of Violencea. a government commission states that racism is main cause of urban violence
2. Civil Rights Gainsa. Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in housingb. More black students finish high school, college; get better jobsc. Greater pride in racial identity leads to Black Studies programs
d. More African-American participation in movies, televisione. Increased voter registration results in more black elected officials
3. Unfinished Worka. Forced busing, higher taxes, militancy, riots reduce white supportb. White flight reverses much progress toward school integrationc. Affirmative action—extra effort to hire, enroll discriminated groups (see visual on next page)d. Late 1970s, some criticize policy as reverse discriminatione. 1960s, colleges, companies doing government business adopt policyf. Unemployment, poverty higher than for whites (see visual on next page)
GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR CHAPTER 22
Chapter 22: The Vietnam War YearsSource: The Americans Power Point Cd-Rom
Overview: The United States becomes locked in a military stalemate in Southeast Asia. U.S. forces withdraw after a decade of heavy war casualties abroad and assassinations and antiwar demonstrations at home.
I. Section 1: Moving Toward ConflictTo stop (contain) the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, the United States uses its military to support South Vietnam.
A. America Supports France in Vietnam
1. French Rule in Vietnama. Late 1800s–WW II, France rules most of Indochina (includes present-day Vietnam)b. Ho Chi Minh—leader of Vietnamese independence movement (right)
1. helps create Indochinese Communist Partyc. 1940, Japanese take control of Vietnamd. Vietminh—organization that aims to rid Vietnam of foreign rulee. Sept. 1945, Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam an independent nation
2. France Battles the Vietminh
a. French troops move into Vietnam; French fight, regain cities, Southb. 1950, U.S. begins economic aid to France to stop communism (“containment” policy)
3. The Vietminh Drive Out the Frencha. Domino theory—countries can fall to communism like row of dominoesb. 1954, Vietminh overrun French at Dien Bien Phu; France surrendersc. Geneva Accords divide Vietnam at 17th parallel; Communists get northd. Election to unify country called for in 1956
B. The United States Steps In
1. Diem Cancels Electionsa. Ho has brutal, repressive regime but is popular for land distribution (giving land to people)b. S. Vietnam’s anti-Communist president Ngo Dinh Diem refuses election (about reunification)c. U.S. promises military aid for stable, reform government in Southd. Diem is corrupt, attacks those who oppose him, restricts Buddhisme. Vietcong (Communist opposition group in South) kills government officialsf. Ho sends weapons to Vietcong along Ho Chi Minh Trail
2. Kennedy and Vietnama. Like Eisenhower, JFK backs Diem financially; sends military advisers (at first)b. Diem’s popularity plummets from corruption, lack of land reformc. Diem starts strategic hamlet program to fight Vietcong
1. villagers resent being moved from ancestral homes
d. Diem loses support of people as well as U.S.e. U.S.-supported military coup overthrows government; Diem assassinated
C. President Johnson Expands the Conflict
1. The South Grows More Unstablea. Succession of military leaders rule S. Vietnam; country unstableb. LBJ thinks U.S.’ international reputation will be hurt if communists win
2. The Tonkin Gulf Resolutiona. Alleged attack in Gulf of Tonkin; LBJ asks for power to fight enemyb. 1964 Tonkin Gulf Resolution gives him broad military powersc. 1965 8 Americans killed, LBJ orders sustained bombing of Northd. U.S. combat troops sent to S. Vietnam to battle Vietcong
Source of Map: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/online/2009/taksm_g11_ss/11socialstudiesm.htm
II. Section 2: U.S. Involvement and EscalationThe United States sends troops to fight in Vietnam, but the war quickly turns into a stalemate.
A. Johnson Increases U.S. Involvement
1. Strong Support for Containmenta. LBJ hesitates breaking promise to keep troops out; works with:
1. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk
b. Congress, majority of public support sending troops (at first; this will eventually be lost)
Primary Source Reading:
Why are we in South Vietnam? We are there because we have a promise to keep. Since 1954 every American President has offered support to the people of South Vietnam....We have made a national pledge to help South Vietnam defend its independence. And I intend to keep our promise....
We are also there to strengthen world order. Around the globe, from Berlin to Thailand, are people whose well-being rests, in part, on the belief that they can count on us if they are attacked. To leave Vietnam to its fate would shake the confidence of all these people in the value of American commitment, the value of America's word. The result would be increased unrest and instability, and even wider war.
We are also there because there are great stakes in the balance. Let no one think for a moment that retreat from Vietnam would being an end to conflict. The battle would be renewed in one country and then another. The central lesson of our time is that the appetite of aggression is never satisfied.
President Johnson defends the American role in Vietnam, 1965
2. The Troop Buildup Accelerates (Escalation)a. General William Westmoreland—U.S. commander in South Vietnamb. Requests increasing numbers; by 1967 500,000 U.S. troops
1. this action was known as “escalation” of the war (making it much bigger)
B. Fighting in the Jungle
1. An Elusive (Hard-To-Find) Enemya. Vietcong use hit-and-run, ambush tactics, move among civiliansb. Tunnels help withstand airstrikes, launch attacks, connect villagesc. Terrain full of booby traps, land mines laid by U.S., Vietcong
2. A Frustrating War of Attrition (Slowly Wearing-Down The Enemy)a. Westmoreland tries to destroy Vietcong morale through attritionb. Vietcong receive supplies from China, U.S.S.R.; remain defiantc. U.S. sees war as military struggle; Vietcong as battle for survival
3. The Battle for “Hearts and Minds”a. U.S. wants to stop Vietcong from winning support of rural populationb. Weapons for exposing tunnels often wound civilians, destroy villages
1. napalm: gasoline-based bomb that sets fire to jungle2. Agent Orange: leaf-killing, toxic chemical; possibly linked to cancer in
veteransc. Search-and-destroy missions move civilian suspects, destroy propertyd. Villagers go to cities, refugee camps; 1967, over 3 million refugees
4. Sinking Moralea. Guerrilla warfare, jungle conditions, lack of progress lower moraleb. Many soldiers turn to alcohol, drugs; some kill superior officersc. Government corruption, instability lead S. Vietnam to demonstrate
5. Fulfilling a Dutya. Most U.S. soldiers at first believe in the necessity to fight the spread of communism (this will change)b. Fight courageously, take patriotic pride in fulfilling their duty
C. The Early War at Home
1. The Great Society Suffersa. War grows more costly with more troops; inflation rate risingb. LBJ gets tax increase to pay for war, check inflation
1. has to accept $6 billion funding cut for his “Great Society” programs
2. The Living-Room Wara. Combat footage on nightly TV news shows stark picture of warb. Critics say credibility gap between administration reports and eventsc. Senator J. William Fulbright’s hearings add to doubts about war
III. Section 3: A Nation DividedAn antiwar movement in the U.S. pits supporters of the government’s war policy against those who oppose it.A. The Working Class Goes to War
1. * A “Manipulatable” Drafta. Selective Service System, draft, calls men 18–26 to military serviceb. Thousands look for ways to avoid the draftc. Many—mostly white, affluent—get college deferment (don’t get drafted because they are in college, or will be going to college)d. 80% of U.S. soldiers come from lower economic levels (seen as being unfair)e. Overall effect of draft: overall, it decreased public support for the war
2. African Americans in Vietnama. African Americans serve in disproportionately high numbers in ground combat (seen as unfair)b. Defense Dept. corrects problem by instituting draft lottery in 1969c. Racial tensions high in many platoons; add to low troop morale
3. Women Join the Ranksa. 10,000 women serve, mostly as military nursesb. Thousands volunteer: American Red Cross, United Services Organization
B. The Protest Movement Emerges
1. The Movement Growsa. In 1965, protest marches, rallies draw tens of thousandsb. 1966, student deferments require good academic standing
1. SDS calls for civil disobedience; counsels students to go abroadc. Small numbers of returning veterans protest; protest songs popular
2. From Protest to Resistancea. Anti-war demonstrations, protests increase, some become violentb. Some men burn draft cards; some refuse to serve; some flee to Canada
3. * War Divides the Nationa. “Doves” strongly against the war, believe U.S. should withdrawb. “Hawks” strongly in favor of sending greater forces to win the war
1. “Hawks” believed U.S. had an obligation to help protect emerging (new) democracies from communismc. 1967 majority of Americans still support war, consider protesters disloyal
4. Johnson Remains Determineda. LBJ continues slow escalation, is criticized by both hawks and dovesb. Combat stalemate (nobody clearly winning) leads Defense Secretary McNamara to resign
IV. Section 4: 1968: A Tumultuous YearAn enemy attack in Vietnam, two assassinations, and a chaotic political convention
make 1968 an explosive year.
A. The Tet Offensive Turns the War1. A Surprise Attack
a. 1968 villagers go to cities to celebrate Tet (Vietnamese new year)b. Vietcong among crowd attack over 100 towns, 12 U.S. air basesc. Tet offensive lasts 1 month before U.S., S. Vietnam regain controld. Westmoreland declares attacks are military defeat for Vietcong
2. Tet Offensive Changes Public Opiniona. Before Tet, most Americans were “hawks”; after Tet, “hawks” and “doves” both at 40%b. Mainstream media openly criticizes warc. LBJ appoints a new Secretary of Defensed. After studying situation, new Secretary of Defense concludes war is unwinnablee. LBJ’s popularity drops; 60% disapprove his handling of the war
B. Days of Loss and Rage1. Johnson Withdraws
a. LBJ announces will seek peace talks, will not run for reelection
2. Violence and Protest Grip the Nationa. Riots rock over 100 cities after Martin Luther King, Jr. is killedb. Robert F. Kennedy (“RFK”) wins CA primary; is fatally shot for supporting Israel
C. A Turbulent Race for President (1968)
1. Nixon Wins Presidencya. Campaign promises: restore law and order, end war in Vietnam; wins presidency
V. Section 5: The End of the War and Its LegacyPresident Nixon institutes his Vietnamization policy, and America’s longest war finally comes to an end.
A. President Nixon and Vietnamization
1. The Pullout Beginsa. New president Richard Nixon finds peace negotiations with North Vietnam not moving aheadb. National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger works on new planc. Vietnamization—U.S. troops withdraw, S. Vietnam troops take over
2. “Peace with Honor”a. Nixon calls for “peace with honor” to maintain U.S. dignity
B. Trouble Continues on the Home Front
1. Mainstream Americaa. Silent majority—moderate, mainstream people who support war
2. The My Lai Massacrea. News breaks that U.S. platoon massacred civilians in My Lai villageb. Lt. William Calley, Jr., in command, is convicted, imprisoned
3. The Invasion of Cambodiaa. 1970, U.S. troops invade Cambodia to clear out enemy supply centersb. 1.5 million protesting college students close down 1,200 campuses
4. Violence on Campusa. National Guard kills 4 in confrontation at Kent State Universityb. Guardsmen kill 2 during confrontation at Jackson State in MSc. 100,000 construction workers rally in NYC to support government
5. The Pentagon Papersa. Pentagon Papers show plans to enter war under LBJb. Confirm belief of many that government was not honest with the American public about what it had intended to do in Vietnam from the very beginning
C. America’s Longest War Ends1. “Peace is at Hand”
a. 1971, 60% think U.S. should withdraw from Vietnam by end of yearb. Kissinger agrees to complete withdrawal of U.S.: “Peace is at hand”
2. The Final Pusha. S. Vietnam rejects Kissinger plan; talks break off; bombing resumesb. Congress calls for end to war; peace signed January 1973
3. The Fall of Saigon
a. Cease-fire breaks down; South surrenders after North invades 1975
D. The War Leaves a Painful Legacy
1. American Veterans Cope Back Homea. 58,000 Americans, over 2 million North, South Vietnamese die in warb. Returning veterans face indifference, hostility at homec. About 15% develop post-traumatic stress disorder (a mental-health problem)
2. The Legacy of Vietnama. Government abolishes military draftb. 1973 Congress passes War Powers Act:
1. president must inform Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops2. 90 day maximum deployment without Congressional approval
c. War contributes to cynicism and distrust about government, political leaders
Chapter 23: An Era of Social ChangeSource: The Americans Cd-Rom
Overview:
Women seek equality in American society. The ideals and lifestyles of the counterculture challenge the values and priorities of mainstream society.
NOTE: We are not learning Chapter 23, Section 1.
II. Section 2: Women Fight for Equality* The women’s liberation movement caused many women to reevaluate (think a lot about) their roles in society and to expect equality with men. Through protests and marches, women confront social and economic barriers in American society.
A. * A New Women’s Movement Arises: Women’s Liberation Movement
1. Women in Education a. 1960’s: This period saw an increase in the number of women who were going to college and getting various types of degrees (including advanced) (see chart)b. made women more competitive with men in area of employment
1. helped lead to women having more economic
and personal independence (from men)
2. Women in the Workplace
a. Women have historically been shut out of jobs considered “men’s work”b. Jobs available to women pay poorlyc. JFK’s Presidential Commission on
the Status of Women finds:
- women paid far less than men for doing same job- women seldom promoted to management positions
Visual: The visual (right) shows the gap between the amount of money that men and women earn per year doing the same work. The bottom numbers are years. It shows that in 1960 women’s median hourly wage was only 60% of what a man made doing the same work. By 2004 it the gap had been reduced to 80%.
3. Women and Activisma. In civil rights, antiwar movements men discriminate against women
4. The Women’s Movement Emergesa. Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique shows women’s dissatisfaction
- bestseller, helps whip-up support amongst women across country
b. Feminism—economic, political, social equality for men, women
B. The Movement Experiences Gains and Losses
1. The Creation of NOWa. Civil rights laws, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) help womenb. 1966 National Organization for Women (NOW) founded
Primary Source Reading: Women's Liberation
We reject the current assumption that a man must carry the sole burden of supporting himself, his wife, and family, and that a woman is automatically entitled to lifelong support by a man upon her marriage, or that marriage, home and family are primarily woman's world and responsibility--hers, to dominate--his to support. We believe that a true partnership between the sexes demands a different concept of marriage, an equitable sharing of the responsibilities of home and children and of the economic burdens of their support....
In the interests of the human dignity of women, we will protest and endeavor to change the false image of women now prevalent in the mass media, and in the texts, ceremonies, laws, and practices of the major social institutions. Such images perpetuate contempt for women by society and by women for themselves.
National Organization for Women's Statement of Purpose, 1966
c. Presses for day-care centers, more vigorous enforcement by EEOC
2. A Diverse Movementa. Gloria Steinem - influential women’s rights leader (standing at microphone)
Source: American History Picture Packs (Collection J: Contemporary America)
*3. Roe v. Wadea. Feminist support of woman’s right to an abortion is controversialb. Roe v. Wade - women have right to an abortion in first trimester (during the 1st 3 months of pregnancy); still controversial today
4. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)a. 1972 Congress passes Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)b. main idea:
- “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on the account of sex.”
c. never gets enough support to be ratified and turned into an actual Amendment
C. The Movement’s Legacy1. The Movement Changes Society
a. ERA defeated (does not become an actual Constitutional Amendment); only gets 35 of 38 states for ratification by 1982b. Women’s movement changes roles, attitudes toward career, familyc. Education, career opportunities expand
- many women run into “glass ceiling” (an invisible barrier preventing women from
moving into higher positions within companies)d. 1983, women hold 13.5% elected state offices, 24 seats in Congress
III. Section 3: Culture and CountercultureThe ideals and lifestyle of the counterculture challenge the traditional views of
Americans.
A. * The Counterculture
1. “Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out”a. Counterculture—white, middle-class youths reject traditional Americab. Members of counterculture called “hippies”c. they rejected society’s materialism (a desire for objects/products/wealth) & technology; believed war is meaninglessd. Idealistic youth leave school, work, home
- want to create idyllic (“perfect”) communities of peace, love, harmony
2. Hippie Culturea. Era of rock ‘n’ roll, crazy clothing, sexual license (sexual freedom), illegal drugsb. Some hippies turn to Eastern religion, meditationc. Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco becomes hippie capital
3. Decline of the Movementa. Urban communes turn seedy, dangerousb. Some people fall victim to drug addiction, mental breakdowns
B. A Changing Culture
1. Arta. Pop art uses commercial, impersonal images from everyday life
- imply that personal freedom lost to conformist lifestyle- movement led by Andy Warhol
2. Rock Musica. The Beatles most influential rock band, help make rock mainstreamb. Woodstock festival gathers many of most popular bands
- over 400,000 attend
3. Changing Attitudesa. Attitudes toward sexual behavior become more casual, permissiveb. Mass culture focuses on once-forbidden topics, like sex, explicit violencec. Some think permissiveness is liberating; others sign of moral decayd. Long term liberal attitudes about dress, lifestyle, & behavior adopted
C. The Conservative Response
1. Conservatives Attack the Counterculturea. Conservatives alarmed at violence on campuses, citiesb. Consider counterculture values decadent (a sign of moral decay)c. Some think counterculture irrational, favor senses, lack inhibitions
Chapter 24: An Age of LimitsSource: The Americans Cd-Rom
Overview: President Nixon reaches out to Communist nations, but leaves office disgraced by the Watergate scandal. His successors (presidents who follow him) face a sluggish economy, environmental concerns, and a revolution in Iran.
I. Section 1: The Nixon AdministrationPresident Richard M. Nixon tries to steer the country in a conservative direction and
away from federal control.
A. Nixon’s New Conservatism
1. New Federalisma. Richard M. Nixon: decrease size and influence of federal government
a. Nixon moves aggressively to end war, heal divisions within countryb. Begins law and order policies to end riots, demonstrations
- sometimes uses illegal tactics/actions
B. Confronting a Stagnant Economy
1. The Causes of Stagflationa. Stagflation— a combination of high inflation, high unemployment (a very tough
problem to solve)b. Inflation result of LBJ’s deficit spending on war & social programsc. Unemployment from more international trade, new workersd. Rising oil prices, U.S. dependence on foreign oil add to inflatione. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) controls prices of oil; makes it go higher
1. Visual: The graphs below show U.S. dependence on oil, especially from
foreign countries.
Source: The Americans EasyPlanner CD-ROM2. Nixon Battles Stagflation
a. Nixon tries different strategies to fix the economy; none have much successC. Nixon’s Foreign Policy Triumphs
1. Kissinger and Realpolitika. Henry Kissinger—national security adviser, later secretary of stateb. Realpolitik—foreign policy based on power issues, not ideals, moralsc. Realpolitik calls for U.S. to confront powerful nations, ignore weakd. Nixon, Kissinger follow policy of détente—easing Cold War tensions with U.S.S.R. & China
Visual: President Nixon meeting with the Soviet Premier Lenoid Brezhnev in the attempt
to improve relations between our countries (détente)Source: American History Picture Packs (Collection J: Contemporary America)
2. Nixon Visits Chinaa. 1971, Nixon’s visit to China a huge success; U. S., China agree to:
- cooperate over disputes, have scientific, cultural exchangeb. Takes advantage of rift (tensions) between China, Soviet Union
3. Nixon Travels to Moscowa. 1972, Nixon visits Moscow; he, Brezhnev sign SALT I Treaty:
- Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) to limit missiles to 1972 levels for next 5 yearsb. Foreign policy successes & the expected Vietnam peace help Nixon to win
reelection
II. Section 2: Watergate: Nixon's DownfallPresident Richard Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal forces him to resign from office.
A. President Nixon and His White House
1. An Imperial (overly powerful) Presidencya. Depression, WWII, Cold War make executive (the Presidency) most powerful branch of govt.b. Nixon expands presidential powers, ignores Congress
2. The President’s Mena. Nixon has small, loyal group of advisers; like him, they desire secrecy
B. The Drive Toward Reelection
1. A Bungled Burglarya. Committee to Reelect the President (CREEP) breaks into his Democratic opponent’s (George McGovern’s) campaign headquarters in the Watergate Office and Apartment Complexb. Watergate scandal is the administration’s (Nixon’s and his peoples’) attempts to cover up the break-in
- they destroy documents, try to stop investigation, buy burglars’ silencec. Washington Post reporters link administration to break-ind. White House denies allegations; little public interest in chargese. Nixon reelected by landslide over liberal Democrat George McGovern
C. The Cover-Up Unravels
1. The Senate Investigates Watergatea. Judge who is in charge of burglars’ trial thinks they did not act aloneb. Burglarly leader James McCord says he lied under oath and that Nixon’s advisers involvedc. Nixon dismisses chief White House lawyer (John Dean); others resignd. investigative committee created to investigate the possibility of a Nixon cover-up
2. Startling Testimonya. Dean declares Nixon involved in cover-up
b. advisor states that Nixon taped presidential conversations (which might include conversations about covering-up the Watergate crime)
3. The Saturday Night Massacrea. Special prosecutor demands tapes; Nixon refusesb. Nixon orders prosecutor fired, attorney general refuses to do itc. Nixon has several people fired, but replacements still demand Nixon tapese. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigns, revealed he accepted bribesf. Nixon nominates, Congress confirms Gerald R. Ford as vice-president
C. The Fall of a President1. Nixon Releases the Tapes
a. March 1974, grand jury indicts (charges) 7 presidential advisors- charges: conspiracy, obstruction of justice, perjury
b. Nixon tells TV audience he is releasing edited transcriptsc. July, Supreme Court rules unanimously Nixon must surrender tapes
Visual: A political cartoon showing Nixon hanging between the reels of an audio tape, which makes reference to the secret tape recordings he made in the Oval Office of the White House. Those tapes provide evidence that he was involved in a cover-up of the Watergate break-in. This eventually forced him to resign the presidency. “I AM NOT A CROOK” refers to a statement that he made during the Election of 1960 when he was accused of accepting inappropriate gifts from supporters. In this case, it was a dog. Notice the word “NOT” is in his mouth (“eating his words”), with the statement now reading “I AM A CROOK”.
*3. The Effects of Watergatea. 25 members of administration convicted, serve prison termsb. Like the Vietnam War, the Watergate Scandal causes many Americans to lose
trust and confidence in their government.
III. Section 3: The Ford and Carter YearsThe Ford and Carter administrations attempt to remedy the nation’s worst economic
crisis in decades.
A. Ford Travels a Rough Road
1. “A Ford, Not a Lincoln”a. September 1974, new president Gerald R. Ford pardons Nixonb. Tries to move country past Watergate; loses much public support because of the
pardon
2. Ford Tries to “Whip” Inflationa. Unsuccessfully asks public to cut back use of oil, gas, save energyb. Cuts government spending; urges higher interest to restrict creditc. “Tight money” policy triggers recessiond. Continually battles Democratic Congress with own economic agenda
B. Ford’s Foreign Policy
1. Carrying Out Nixon’s Foreign Policiesa. Ford continues negotiations with China, Soviet Union
C. Carter Enters the White House
1. Mr. Carter Goes to Washingtona. Jimmy Carter promises to restore integrity to presidency
- defeats Ford by narrow marginb. Has down-to-earth style; holds “fireside chats” on radio, TVc. Does not make deals with Congress; relies on Georgia advisers
1. seen as an outsider to Washington; “insiders” did not like this and worked against him2. Both parties in Congress join to sink Carter’s budgets, major reforms
D. Carter’s Domestic Agenda
1. Confronting the Energy Crisisa. Carter offers energy proposals; oil-, gas-states, auto makers resistb. National Energy Act—encourages conservation, U.S. energy sourcesc. National Energy Act, conservation cut foreign oil dependence
2. The Economic Crisis Worsens
a. Violence in Middle East creates fuel shortage; OPEC raises pricesb. Carter tries various methods to cure the economy (stagflation), none workc. 1980 inflation 14%, standard of living drops; people lose confidence
3. A Changing Economya. From 1950s automation, foreign competition reduce manufacturing jobsb. Service sector expands, higher paying jobs require education, skills
4. Carter and Civil Rightsa. Carter hires more African Americans, women than previous presidentsb. Many civil rights groups disappointed because few laws passedc. 1978 Bakke case, Supreme Court strikes down affirmative action quotas (minimums)
- allows race as one factor in university admissions
E. A Human Rights Foreign Policy
1. Advancing Human Rightsa. Carter’s foreign policy promotes human rights—basic freedomsb. Cuts off aid to some, not all, allies that mistreat own citizens
2. Yielding (Giving Up) the Panama Canala. 1977 treaty gives control of canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999b. Agreements improve relations between U.S., Latin America
3. The Collapse of Détentea. Carter’s insistence on human rights strains relations with U.S.S.R.b. December, Soviets invade Afghanistan; Carter lets SALT II (a new nuclear treaty) die
F. Triumph and Crisis in the Middle East
1. The Camp David Accordsa. 1978 Carter hosts talks between Israel and Egypt (historic enemies)b. Camp David Accords forge peace between Israel, Egypt:
- Israel withdraws from Sinai Peninsula- Egypt recognizes Israel’s right to exist- helps lead to assassination of the Egyptian leader who signed the accord
Visual: The picture shows Jimmy Carter in the center with the leader of Egypt shown to the left
and the leader of Israel shown to our right. The leader of Egypt was assassinated
because he signed that document.
Source: American History Picture Packs (Collection J: Contemporary America)
2. The Iran Hostage Crisisa. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini leads overthrow of leader of Iran
- establishes Islamic (Muslim-controlled) stateb. Carter supports the overthrown Iranian leader; allows him entry to U.S. for cancer treatmentc. Iranian students storm U.S. embassy, take 52 hostages; demand the overthrown Iranian leader be brought back
Visual: A political cartoon about the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979. The leader of Iran,
d. Carter refuses; standoff ensues; intense secret negotiations followe. Carter’s inability to end the crisis and to get the hostages back helps lead to him losing the Election of 1980 to Ronald Reagan.f. Captives released Jan. 1981, hours after Ronald Reagan sworn ing. impact/effects: This event has soured relations between Iran and the U.S. ever since. We
don’t trust them and they do not trust us.
IV. Section 4: Environmental ActivismDuring the 1970s, Americans strengthen their efforts to address the nation’s environmental
problems.
A. The Roots of Environmentalism1. Rachel Carson and Silent Spring
a. Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring warns against use of pesticides (insect killers to protect food)
- argues poisons kill food, harmless animals as well as pestsb. Becomes best seller; leads JFK to establish advisory committee
- chemical companies claim book inaccurate, threaten lawsuitsc. Carson starts national focus on environmental issues
B. Environmental Concerns in the 1970s1. The First Earth Day
a. Earth Day—celebration highlighting environmental awarenessb. First observed 1970 by communities, thousands of schools, colleges
2. The Government Takes Actiona. Nixon not an environmentalist—active protector of environmentb. Signs Clean Air Act, creates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- main government arm on environmental issuesc. 1970s, Congress passes 35 laws on conservation, clean up
3. Balancing Progress and Conservation in Alaskaa. Pipeline creates jobs, revenue, worries over wildlife, native peopleb. Nixon gives millions of acres to native tribes for conservation, use
c. Carter sets aside 56 million acres as national monumentsd. 1980, Congress adds 104 million acres as protected areas
4. The Debate over Nuclear Energya. Many think nuclear power good alternative to foreign oilb. Opponents say nuclear plants and their radioactive waste potentially harmful
5. *Three Mile Islanda. March 1979, reactor at Three Mile Island nuclear plant malfunctionsb. Low-level radiation escapes; 100,000 people evacuated from areac. led to a renewed debate over whether or not the U.S. should have – or expand the use of – nuclear powerd. Nuclear Regulatory Commission strengthens safety standards
- also improves inspection procedures
Source: www.ohiocitizen.org/.../2004/nuc2004c.htmlC. A Continuing Movement
1. Environment or Employment?a. 1970s, environment movement gains popular supportb. Opponents protest loss of jobs, revenuesc. 1980s, 1990s, attempt to balance environment with jobs, progress
UNIT WRAP-UPEssential Questions:
1. How does suburban life shape the individual?
2. How can people change society?
3. How far should the government go to promote equality and opportunity?
