Social Movements of the 1960s

Role of Civil Disobedience

Example: In 1960, when 4 African American college students sat down at a “whites only” restaurant counter in Greensboro, NC.

Freedom Riders challenging the new federal law banning racial segregation in interstate travel. Members of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality),

established in 1942.

People practicing civil disobedience often suffered resistance to their efforts.

Chavez’s Movement

César Chavez, a Mexican American labor activist, led the fight for improved working conditions for America’s migrant workers

In 1962, Chavez began to organize other migrant workers in Arizona & California.

As a leader, he advocated nonviolent action through boycotts & strikes Grape boycott – 5 years – 17

million people participated Unionized migrant workers & in

1972, the AFL-CIO recognized his union, the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).

Women’s Movement

Even though women entered the workforce during wartime, after years, they were still not allowed to hold higher level positions, nor were they paid on the same scale as men. Many were fired after the war &

encouraged to adhere to traditional roles for women

Women’s liberation movement, or the “second wave” of feminism, gained momentum.

Feminism is the belief in the social, political, & economic equality of women to men. Focused on discrimination, negative

stereotypes, child care, & medical issues for women.

NOW

In 1966, Betty Friedan organized the National Organization for Women. Worked on issues including the passage of

the equal rights amendment (ERA). First introduced by Alice Paul in the 1920s

In 1972, the amendment did pass in Congress, but was not ratified by enough states – but it did prompt federal legislation that outlawed discrimination against women in the workplace. Women today still on average do not earn

as much as men for the same work.

Environmental Movement

Led by Rachel Carson Wrote the book Silent Spring in 1962 Created public awareness of the effects of the

pesticide DDT on the reproduction of birds Led to an inquiry ordered by President

Kennedy & the eventual ban of DDT Heightened interest in the environment

led to the 1970 creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the federal level, state environmental agencies, and Earth Day

An annual citizen effort to improve the environment through tree planting and river cleaning

Conservative Movement

1964 Presidential Election: Democratic candidate: President L.B.

Johnson Republican candidate: Barry Goldwater

Major conservative movement started by Goldwater – played on Americans that were sick of the turmoil in the U.S. while Democrats were in office – too extreme

Not successful until the 1968 election when Richard M. Nixon won the presidency. Nixon pledged to represent the “silent

majority”, civic minded individuals who wished to restore law & order to society.

Appealed to conservative ideals of many older Americans & proved successful, especially in the South.

Antiwar Protests

Protests were not new to college campuses, but peaceful protests were now mixed with tense confrontation & even violence

May 1970: Ohio National Guard soldiers on campus killed 4 student protesters at Kent State University & police killed 2 at Jackson State in MS.

The campus violence affected public opinion by altering how people viewed both government & protesters, & signaled an end to the antiwar protest movement.

Nixon began to withdraw troops & discontent with the war took more normal political form.

Practice Questions

Mary Beth Tinker was suspended from school for wearing a black armband as a way to protest the Vietnam War. She was engaging in A) civil disobedience B) judicial review C) civic participation D) illegal activity

Practice Questions

What did the election of Richard Nixon signal? A) a new conservative movement B) support of demonstrations C) growing sectionalism D) an end to Vietnam War protests

Practice Questions

What impact did Rachel Carson have? A) she united farm workers B) she created an awareness of

environmental problems C) she spoke out against civil

disobedience D) she advanced ratification of the 24th

amendment