8.15 Continuity and Change in Period 8
4 min read•january 26, 2023
Robby May
Robby May
After , the country experienced a period of and . At the same time, the gained momentum, leading to increased social and political equality for and other minorities. The between the United States and the also had a significant impact on society during this time period.
The Cold War
During the , the United States engaged in a global struggle with the to limit the spread of communism and promote democracy and capitalism. This led to a focus on and the development of a , as well as efforts to contain Soviet influence through foreign policy and military alliances such as .
policies, particularly those related to and the containment of communism, led to public debates over the proper balance between government power and individual rights. This included discussions about the limits of , the use of and other measures to protect , and the rights of individuals suspected of being involved in subversive activities.
Additionally, the led to a climate of political repression and paranoia, with accusations of communist infiltration into the government, media, and other institutions. This led to the rise of the and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) which investigated people suspected of having ties to the . Civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press ,and assembly were also affected by this political atmosphere.
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
The United States also sought to promote a free-market global economy through initiatives such as the and the creation of international financial institutions such as the and the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, the United States played a major role in the creation of an international security system, including the establishment of the United Nations.
Civil Rights Movement
Seeking to fulfill promises made during the following the Civil War, civil rights activists and political leaders in the United States worked to end and achieve greater equality for . These efforts included legal challenges to in education and other areas, as well as grassroots activism and protests.
One of the most significant achievements of the was the passage of the and the . These laws prohibited discrimination on the basis of race in voting, education, and the workplace, and helped to end legal .
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
The was a more radical movement that emerged from the . It emphasized racial pride and self-determination, and sought to challenge and the that affected .
Postwar Demographic Changes
The post- period saw a strong economic boom in the United States, characterized by low unemployment, high GDP growth, and widespread prosperity. This led to the creation of a large and growing , which had a significant impact on American society and culture.
Furthermore, there was a sense of national unity and pride as the US emerged as a superpower after the WWII, this was reflected in the popular culture of the time, such as the "" and the "".
The 1960s counterculture was a movement of young people who rejected the traditional values and norms of American society. They embraced a more liberal, anti-establishment, and anti-war outlook, and sought to create a new society based on peace, love, and freedom.
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
Politics
, which emphasizes individual rights and freedoms and a limited role for government, had been a dominant political ideology in the United States since . However, it also came under increasing attack from various groups and movements in the 1960s and 1970s.
On the left, many people began to criticize for not going far enough in addressing issues of inequality and social justice. They called for more radical solutions, such as and government programs to address poverty and economic inequality.
On the right, a resurgent began to challenge liberal ideas and policies. They criticized for what they saw as an overreaching and intrusive government and advocated for less government regulation and a return to traditional values. This movement was led by figures like and who became president in 1980.
The grew out of the broader social and political changes of the 1960s, including the , the counterculture, and the growing dissatisfaction with American foreign policy. As the war in Vietnam escalated, more and more people began to question the government's justification for the war and the high cost in terms of lives and resources.
Key Terms to Review (38)
1960s Counterculture
: The 1960s counterculture refers to a cultural, social and political movement that emerged in the United States during the mid-1960s, characterized by an open rejection or opposition to mainstream societal norms and values. This included protests against war (particularly Vietnam), advocacy for civil rights, sexual liberation, experimentation with drugs, and a general questioning of authority.African Americans
: African Americans are an ethnic group in the United States with total or partial ancestry from any black racial groups of Africa.American Dream
: The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States that promises freedom for all individuals to pursue prosperity and success through hard work regardless of their background.Anti-War Movement
: The Anti-War Movement refers to a group of people who are opposed to a particular war, its conduct or the military in general. It is usually characterized by protests, demonstrations and other forms of public opposition.Barry Goldwater
: Barry Goldwater was an American politician, businessman, and author who served as a five-term Senator from Arizona (1953–65; 1969–87) and as the Republican Party's nominee for president in 1964.Black Power Movement
: The Black Power Movement was a social movement in the 1960s and 1970s that emphasized racial pride, economic empowerment, and the creation of political and cultural institutions for African American people in the United States.Civil Rights Act of 1964
: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public.Civil Rights Movement
: The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for Black Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States.Cold War
: The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between two superpowers, United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), without actual warfare but marked by economic competition, technological race (like Space Race), proxy wars, etc.Communist Party
: A political party advocating for communism, a socioeconomic order structured upon ideas of common ownership of the means of production and absence of social classes, money and state.Conservative Movement
: The Conservative Movement is a political ideology in the United States that emphasizes limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional values, and a strong national defense. It gained significant momentum during the mid-20th century.Demographic Changes
: Demographic changes refer to shifts in population characteristics such as age, race, gender, birth rate, death rate, education and income levels over time.Economic Prosperity
: Economic prosperity is a period of wealth and good fortune in terms of financial growth or success within a society or country.Executive Power
: Executive power is the authority given to the executive branch of government - typically held by the president - which includes implementing policy, supervising executive branch agencies, preparing executive budget proposals, appointing key officials, etc.Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly
: These are fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that allow citizens to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, publish their views in various media outlets, and gather peacefully for social or political purposes.House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)
: HUAC was an investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives that existed from 1938 to 1975. Its primary purpose was to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities on part of private citizens, public employees, or organizations suspected of having Communist ties.International Monetary Fund (IMF)
: The International Monetary Fund is an international organization that aims to promote global economic growth and financial stability, to encourage international trade, and to reduce poverty around the world.Liberalism
: Liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedoms, democratic processes, rule of law, human rights and free market economics.Marshall Plan
: A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War II. Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, it aimed to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and make Europe prosperous again.Middle Class
: The middle class refers to individuals who fall socio-economically between the working class and upper class within a societal hierarchy, typically characterized by moderate to high income levels, personal and professional jobs, home ownership, and higher education.Military-Industrial Complex
: The military-industrial complex refers to the relationship between a nation's military, government, and industrial sector. These entities work together to research, produce, and supply military equipment and infrastructure.National Security
: National security refers to measures taken by a state to ensure its survival against any form of aggression or threat. It includes defense policies, foreign relations strategies, economic strength, etc.NATO
: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries established in 1949.Reconstruction Era
: The Reconstruction Era was a period after American Civil War from 1865-1877 during which attempts were made to solve the political, social, and economic problems arising from the readmission to the Union of the 11 Confederate states that had seceded.Red Scare
: The Red Scare refers to the fear of communism that permeated American politics, culture, and society from the late 1940s through the 1950s, during the opening phases of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.Ronald Reagan
: Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States (1981–89). His presidency is often associated with supply-side economics or "Reaganomics," which emphasized tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth.Segregation
: Segregation is the enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.Soviet Union
: The Soviet Union was a federal socialist state in Northern Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was nominally a union of multiple national Soviet republics; in practice its government and economy were highly centralized.Suburban Lifestyle
: Suburban lifestyle refers living outside urban areas in residential zones known as suburbs. It's often associated with owning a single-family home, having a yard, and commuting to work in the city.Surveillance
: Surveillance is the close observation or monitoring of a person, place, or activity. Often used for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and national security purposes.Systemic Racism
: Systemic racism refers to the systems in place that create and maintain racial inequality in nearly every facet of life for people of color.United Nations (UN)
: The UN is an international organization formed in 1945 to increase political and economic cooperation among its member countries. It works on numerous global issues including peacekeeping, climate change, sustainable development etc.Vietnam War
: The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. It occurred from 1955 to 1975.Voting Rights Act of 1965
: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.Wealth Redistribution
: Wealth redistribution refers to a political policy that aims at leveling the wealth within a society through methods such as taxes or welfare programs.White Supremacy
: White supremacy is the belief that white people are superior to all other races and should therefore dominate society. This ideology has been a significant factor in shaping social, political, and economic policies in the United States.World Bank
: The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects and reducing poverty.World War II
: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many of the world's nations. It was marked by significant events like the Holocaust and the use of nuclear weapons.8.15 Continuity and Change in Period 8
4 min read•january 26, 2023
Robby May
Robby May
After , the country experienced a period of and . At the same time, the gained momentum, leading to increased social and political equality for and other minorities. The between the United States and the also had a significant impact on society during this time period.
The Cold War
During the , the United States engaged in a global struggle with the to limit the spread of communism and promote democracy and capitalism. This led to a focus on and the development of a , as well as efforts to contain Soviet influence through foreign policy and military alliances such as .
policies, particularly those related to and the containment of communism, led to public debates over the proper balance between government power and individual rights. This included discussions about the limits of , the use of and other measures to protect , and the rights of individuals suspected of being involved in subversive activities.
Additionally, the led to a climate of political repression and paranoia, with accusations of communist infiltration into the government, media, and other institutions. This led to the rise of the and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) which investigated people suspected of having ties to the . Civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press ,and assembly were also affected by this political atmosphere.
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
The United States also sought to promote a free-market global economy through initiatives such as the and the creation of international financial institutions such as the and the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, the United States played a major role in the creation of an international security system, including the establishment of the United Nations.
Civil Rights Movement
Seeking to fulfill promises made during the following the Civil War, civil rights activists and political leaders in the United States worked to end and achieve greater equality for . These efforts included legal challenges to in education and other areas, as well as grassroots activism and protests.
One of the most significant achievements of the was the passage of the and the . These laws prohibited discrimination on the basis of race in voting, education, and the workplace, and helped to end legal .
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
The was a more radical movement that emerged from the . It emphasized racial pride and self-determination, and sought to challenge and the that affected .
Postwar Demographic Changes
The post- period saw a strong economic boom in the United States, characterized by low unemployment, high GDP growth, and widespread prosperity. This led to the creation of a large and growing , which had a significant impact on American society and culture.
Furthermore, there was a sense of national unity and pride as the US emerged as a superpower after the WWII, this was reflected in the popular culture of the time, such as the "" and the "".
The 1960s counterculture was a movement of young people who rejected the traditional values and norms of American society. They embraced a more liberal, anti-establishment, and anti-war outlook, and sought to create a new society based on peace, love, and freedom.
Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
Politics
, which emphasizes individual rights and freedoms and a limited role for government, had been a dominant political ideology in the United States since . However, it also came under increasing attack from various groups and movements in the 1960s and 1970s.
On the left, many people began to criticize for not going far enough in addressing issues of inequality and social justice. They called for more radical solutions, such as and government programs to address poverty and economic inequality.
On the right, a resurgent began to challenge liberal ideas and policies. They criticized for what they saw as an overreaching and intrusive government and advocated for less government regulation and a return to traditional values. This movement was led by figures like and who became president in 1980.
The grew out of the broader social and political changes of the 1960s, including the , the counterculture, and the growing dissatisfaction with American foreign policy. As the war in Vietnam escalated, more and more people began to question the government's justification for the war and the high cost in terms of lives and resources.
Key Terms to Review (38)
1960s Counterculture
: The 1960s counterculture refers to a cultural, social and political movement that emerged in the United States during the mid-1960s, characterized by an open rejection or opposition to mainstream societal norms and values. This included protests against war (particularly Vietnam), advocacy for civil rights, sexual liberation, experimentation with drugs, and a general questioning of authority.African Americans
: African Americans are an ethnic group in the United States with total or partial ancestry from any black racial groups of Africa.American Dream
: The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States that promises freedom for all individuals to pursue prosperity and success through hard work regardless of their background.Anti-War Movement
: The Anti-War Movement refers to a group of people who are opposed to a particular war, its conduct or the military in general. It is usually characterized by protests, demonstrations and other forms of public opposition.Barry Goldwater
: Barry Goldwater was an American politician, businessman, and author who served as a five-term Senator from Arizona (1953–65; 1969–87) and as the Republican Party's nominee for president in 1964.Black Power Movement
: The Black Power Movement was a social movement in the 1960s and 1970s that emphasized racial pride, economic empowerment, and the creation of political and cultural institutions for African American people in the United States.Civil Rights Act of 1964
: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public.Civil Rights Movement
: The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for Black Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States.Cold War
: The Cold War was a period of political tension and military rivalry between two superpowers, United States and Soviet Union (1947-1991), without actual warfare but marked by economic competition, technological race (like Space Race), proxy wars, etc.Communist Party
: A political party advocating for communism, a socioeconomic order structured upon ideas of common ownership of the means of production and absence of social classes, money and state.Conservative Movement
: The Conservative Movement is a political ideology in the United States that emphasizes limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional values, and a strong national defense. It gained significant momentum during the mid-20th century.Demographic Changes
: Demographic changes refer to shifts in population characteristics such as age, race, gender, birth rate, death rate, education and income levels over time.Economic Prosperity
: Economic prosperity is a period of wealth and good fortune in terms of financial growth or success within a society or country.Executive Power
: Executive power is the authority given to the executive branch of government - typically held by the president - which includes implementing policy, supervising executive branch agencies, preparing executive budget proposals, appointing key officials, etc.Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly
: These are fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that allow citizens to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, publish their views in various media outlets, and gather peacefully for social or political purposes.House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)
: HUAC was an investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives that existed from 1938 to 1975. Its primary purpose was to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities on part of private citizens, public employees, or organizations suspected of having Communist ties.International Monetary Fund (IMF)
: The International Monetary Fund is an international organization that aims to promote global economic growth and financial stability, to encourage international trade, and to reduce poverty around the world.Liberalism
: Liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedoms, democratic processes, rule of law, human rights and free market economics.Marshall Plan
: A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War II. Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, it aimed to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and make Europe prosperous again.Middle Class
: The middle class refers to individuals who fall socio-economically between the working class and upper class within a societal hierarchy, typically characterized by moderate to high income levels, personal and professional jobs, home ownership, and higher education.Military-Industrial Complex
: The military-industrial complex refers to the relationship between a nation's military, government, and industrial sector. These entities work together to research, produce, and supply military equipment and infrastructure.National Security
: National security refers to measures taken by a state to ensure its survival against any form of aggression or threat. It includes defense policies, foreign relations strategies, economic strength, etc.NATO
: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries established in 1949.Reconstruction Era
: The Reconstruction Era was a period after American Civil War from 1865-1877 during which attempts were made to solve the political, social, and economic problems arising from the readmission to the Union of the 11 Confederate states that had seceded.Red Scare
: The Red Scare refers to the fear of communism that permeated American politics, culture, and society from the late 1940s through the 1950s, during the opening phases of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.Ronald Reagan
: Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States (1981–89). His presidency is often associated with supply-side economics or "Reaganomics," which emphasized tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth.Segregation
: Segregation is the enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.Soviet Union
: The Soviet Union was a federal socialist state in Northern Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was nominally a union of multiple national Soviet republics; in practice its government and economy were highly centralized.Suburban Lifestyle
: Suburban lifestyle refers living outside urban areas in residential zones known as suburbs. It's often associated with owning a single-family home, having a yard, and commuting to work in the city.Surveillance
: Surveillance is the close observation or monitoring of a person, place, or activity. Often used for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and national security purposes.Systemic Racism
: Systemic racism refers to the systems in place that create and maintain racial inequality in nearly every facet of life for people of color.United Nations (UN)
: The UN is an international organization formed in 1945 to increase political and economic cooperation among its member countries. It works on numerous global issues including peacekeeping, climate change, sustainable development etc.Vietnam War
: The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. It occurred from 1955 to 1975.Voting Rights Act of 1965
: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.Wealth Redistribution
: Wealth redistribution refers to a political policy that aims at leveling the wealth within a society through methods such as taxes or welfare programs.White Supremacy
: White supremacy is the belief that white people are superior to all other races and should therefore dominate society. This ideology has been a significant factor in shaping social, political, and economic policies in the United States.World Bank
: The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects and reducing poverty.World War II
: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many of the world's nations. It was marked by significant events like the Holocaust and the use of nuclear weapons.
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