Transcript Week 37: May 16-20 - Central Bucks School District

Week 37: May 16-20, 2016
Decades of Change ENDS!
(Ch. 19-24)
Why are we here this week?
Students will complete Ch. 24 review game and individual assessment
on Monday, then begin review of Unit IV: Decades of Change (4th of 5
district exams is Monday, 5/23)
Wednesday-Friday of this week experience significant schedule &
attendance disruptions…PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY!
Unit IV: Decades of Change
Be ready to listen to peers, read along in textbooks, ASK questions, complete an
collaborative, open-book assessment, & then participate in a learning activity.
There will be an individual objective QUIZ for each chapter.
Day 1: Teach “ttt” via PowerPoint
Day 2: Socratic Symposium, followed by “textbook test”
Day 3: Game, then QUIZ
The Americans
Visit Robinson SHARES folder for Ch. 20-24 “tttSociety:
” answers. SKIM textbook(s).
20…New Frontier & Great Society
History Alive!
Summaries (in Shares) contain fill-in NOTES.
43, 48, 49
Monday, 4/25Wed. 4/27
21…Civil Rights: Thursday, 4/28M/5/2
44, 45, 46 (47)
22…Vietnam Years: Tuesday, 5/3TH/5/5
51, 52, 53
23…Era of Social Change: Friday, 5/6T/5/10
47, 50, 55
24…Age of Limits: Wednesday, 5/11M/5/16
53, 54, 55
Collaborative “chapter tests” will be worth 20 minor points.
Chapter quizzes (5) will be worth roughly 20-25 major points.
4th district exam will be on or
soon after Monday, May 23rd
Be sure to READ & complete “ttt” questions and Alive! fill-in notes & exercises
BEFORE peers teach!
Homework:
Ch. 24 “ttt” & Alive! Ch. 54 due work due Thursday
Collaborative assessment 5/12; QUIZ Monday, 5/16
*Ch. 23 self & peer evaluation due Thursday!
Wednesday, Thursday, May 11-12, & Monday, May 16 2016
Decades of Change PROJECT
Ch. 24: Age of Limits
The Americans, Ch. 24
History Alive! Ch. 53, 54, 55
Homework:
Ch. 24 “ttt” & Alive! Ch. 54 due work due tomorrow
Collaborative assessment 5/12; QUIZ Monday, 5/16
*Ch. 23 self & peer evaluation due Thursday!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Decades of Change PROJECT Day #1
Ch. 24: Age of Limits
The Americans, Ch. 24
History Alive! Ch. 53, 54, & 55
Homework:
STUDY for individual QUIZ: Ch. 24: Age of Limits
& Alive! Ch. 53, 54, 55
*Ch. 23 self & peer evaluation due today!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Decades of Change PROJECT Day #2
Ch. 24: Age of Limits
Collaborative assessment…20 pts
Ch. 24 “ttt” & HA Ch. 54 due…20 pts
Homework:
STUDY for Monday’s QUIZ: Ch. 24 & Alive! Ch. 54 & 55
*Ch. 24 game is Monday!
Friday, May 13, 2016
Computer Lab 341 STUDY DAY!
Ch. 24: Age of Limits
and/or
Unit IV: Decades of Change “study guide in packet"
Americans, Ch. 24
Alive! Ch. (53), 54, 55
OR
Ch. 20-24 Highlights?
Safari Montage videos?
Computer Lab 341: STUDY Session
Friday, May 13, 2016
Did you EMAIL mrobinso as directed?
Did you PROFIT from the OPPORTUNITY?
HOMEWORK: Study for Ch. 24 QUIZ, prepare
for Unit IV exam on Monday, 5/23
Homework:
Prepare for next Monday’s Unit IV district exam:
Academic: complete study guide by 5/23
(Advanced: guide is highly recommended!)
*Ch. 24 rubric self and peer evaluation due Wednesday
Monday, May 16, 2016
Decades of Change PROJECT Day #3
Ch. 24: Age of Limits
GAME DAY, then individual QUIZ…25 points
The Americans, Ch. 24
History Alive! Ch. (53), 54, 55
Chapter 24, Americans p. 792-827
An Age of Limits
Responses will vary but should include points similar to the
following:
1. Nixon reversed past U.S. policy by opening relations with
Communist China and pursued more friendly relations with the
Soviet Union.
2. The cover-up of Watergate represented the president’s effort to
block investigations, thus trying to put himself above the law.
3. Ford tried to end inflation with energy conservation and higher
interest rates. Carter tried to use voluntary price freezes and
spending cuts.
4. The debate over environmental laws focus on the need for
economic development and for protection of natural resources.
Chapter 24
Americans, p. 792-827
An Age of Limits
Alive! P.
697-707
1. How did Nixon ease Cold War
tensions?
Nixon reversed past U.S. policy by
opening relations with Communist
China and pursued more friendly
relations with the Soviet Union.
Chapter 24
807
An Age of Limits
707
Americans, p. 802Alive! P. 704-
The cover-up of Watergate represented the
president’s effort to block investigations, thus trying to
put himself above the law.
-Nixon resigned instead of facing impeachment (August
8, 1974); burglary & “high crimes & misdemeanors”
were committed (1972) while spying on Democratic
National Headquarters; failure to disclose activity led
to Nixon’s downfall, & tape recorded conversations
sealed his fate
Chapter 24
Americans, p.
792-827
An Age of Limits
3. How did Ford and Carter try to fix
economic problems, and why didn’t
their plans work?
Ford tried to end inflation with energy
conservation and higher interest rates.
Carter tried to use voluntary price
freezes and spending cuts.
Chapter 24
792-827
An Age of Limits
714-715
Americans, p.
Alive! p.
The debate over environmental laws focus
on the need for economic development and
for protection of natural resources.
-Earth Day (4/22/1970); Environmental
Protection Act (EPA); Clean Water (1972) and
Safe Drinking Water Act (1974); Three Mile
Island accident (3/28/1979)
Ch. 53: Getting Out of Vietnam
What lessons for Americans emerged from the Vietnam War?
In 1969, President Nixon began withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam, but the war continued
throughout his time in office. He carried on peace talks with the North Vietnamese but also
ordered massive bombing of North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. He faced ongoing protests
from the antiwar movement and criticism from Congress. In 1973, the last U.S. combat forces
came home. North Vietnam swept to victory over the South in 1975.
Vietnamization Nixon’s Vietnamization of the war allowed for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and
prepared South Vietnam to take over responsibility for the war.
My Lai massacre In 1968, U.S. soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in the
village of My Lai. Reports of the massacre shocked Americans and increased antiwar protests.
Kent State shootings The invasion of Cambodia in April 1970 sparked an increase in antiwar
protests. The most violent one occurred the following month at Kent State University in Ohio,
where National Guard troops fired into an angry crowd, killing four students.
War Powers Resolution Congress reacted to Nixon’s activities in Cambodia by passing the War
Powers Resolution. This resolution limits a president’s ability to send armed forces into combat.
Pentagon Papers In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked to the press a top-secret study of the U.S. role
in Indochina. This study, the Pentagon Papers, revealed secrecy and deceit on the part of U.S.
presidents.
Boat people The North Vietnamese defeated South Vietnam and took control in 1975. This
prompted an exodus of refugees from Indochina, many of whom fled by boat.
Ch. 54: The Rise and Fall of Richard Nixon
What events influenced Richard Nixon’s rise to and fall from power?
Richard Nixon won the presidency in 1968. While in office, he made strides toward easing the
tensions of the Cold War. He also saw many of his domestic policies enacted. However, scandal
forced him to resign in disgrace in 1974.
New Federalism Nixon came into office determined to revive federalism. He hoped to reduce the
power of the federal government and return power to the states. Revenue sharing, central to his plan,
allowed state and local governments to spend tax revenues as they saw fit.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Despite his promise to shrink the federal
government, Nixon created OSHA, which works to improve health and safety in the workplace.
Environmental Protection Agency Another new agency, the EPA, was created to protect Americans’
health and the natural environment.
Energy crisis Nixon tried to revive a stagnant economy with increased spending while fighting inflation
with wage and price controls. However, an energy crisis made a bad situation worse.
Détente Nixon tried to encourage détente, or a relaxation of Cold War tensions. In 1972, he visited
both communist China and the Soviet Union.
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty In 1972, Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed SALT I, the
first superpower treaty to place limits on the arms race.
Watergate scandal In 1972, burglars broke into Democratic headquarters in the Watergate building.
The scandal over the cover-up that followed the break-in led to Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
Ch. 55: Politics and Society in the “Me Decade”
How should historians characterize the 1970s?
During the 1970s, the U.S. economy suffered from stagflation as the nation faced a number of crises.
The decade was also a time of changing views about everything from the environment and ethnicity
to retirement and gender equality.
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries A major cause of inflation was OPEC’s decision to
raise the price of oil. This led to rising prices for many goods.
National Energy Act In 1978, Congress tried to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. The National
Energy Act offered incentives for conserving energy or using alternative energy sources.
Camp David Accords In 1978, Jimmy Carter brokered a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
The Camp David Accords ended the long state of war between these two countries.
Earth Day The first Earth Day celebration in 1970 signaled the emergence of a new environmental
movement. Followers worked to clean up and protect the environment locally and globally. Congress
passed antipollution laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Three Mile Island accident An accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in 1978
highlighted the potential dangers of nuclear energy.
Searching for meaning During the 1970s, many Americans turned inward to search for meaning.
Some explored self-help movements, others new religions, and others their ethnic identity.
Population changes Fewer births and longer life expectancies led to an aging of the U.S. population.
The population also shifted south, as people migrated from the Rustbelt to the Sunbelt.
Gender equality Women worked to gain greater equality in the workplace and politics. In growing
numbers, women entered professions that had once been dominated by males.
Homework:
Prepare for next Monday’s Unit IV district exam:
Academic: complete study guide by 5/23
(Advanced: guide is highly recommended!)
*Ch. 24 rubric self and peer evaluation due Wednesday
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Decades of Change Unit REVIEW
Ch. 19-24: 1950s, 1960s, & 1970s
History Alive! Ch. 41-55
Video & collage recaps!
Ch. 19-24 “ttt,” plus summary notes (41-55)
MEGA-KAHOOT game!
“What’s happenin’ here?”
Unit IV packetopen space “filled?”
Did you LISTEN and “WATCH” carefully during this unit?
What do you now UNDERSTAND from the songs,
videos, & activities of this DYNAMIC era?
…in the 1950s?
…in the 1960s?
…
Unit IV: Decades of Change
Essential Questions
1. How does social and cultural change impact 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?
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
.
groups
3. Individuals
and
can participate to influence the government and
opposition
reform society, but are often met with
.
4. Breaches of trust by leaders damage the public’s confidence
in government.
Identify & LABEL as many people & historic events as possible! Then, fill notes below collage
During this era, the United States experienced extraordinary economic
growth and broad social changes. Americans got married and had babies
in record numbers. Suburbs sprouted like weeds around cities. While
most people saw their standard of living rise, hidden pockets of poverty
remained. Beneath the calm surface of these years, rebellions were
brewing. African Americans’ long battle for equality matured into a civil
rights movement that would not be ignored. Once again Americans
faced an old question: "When would the nation finally make the ideal
that ‘all men are created equal’ a reality?"
Identify & LABEL as many people & historic developments as possible! Fill notes below collage
During this era, the United States experienced extraordinary economic
growth and broad social changes. Americans got married and had babies
in record numbers. Suburbs sprouted like weeds around cities. While
most people saw their standard of living rise, hidden pockets of poverty
remained. Beneath the calm surface of these years, rebellions were
brewing. African Americans’ long battle for equality matured into a civil
rights movement that would not be ignored. Once again Americans
faced an old question: "When would the nation finally make the ideal
that ‘all men are created equal’ a reality?"
Identify & LABEL as many people & historic developments as possible! Fill notes below collage
This era began with confidence and ended in confusion. It opened with President
Kennedy’s inspiring call to service. Over the next two decades, the nation would
endure assassinations, an unpopular war, urban riots, political scandals, and an
energy shortage. By the end of the era, President Carter would be speaking of a
national "crisis in confidence." Carter’s gloom overshadowed many
accomplishments. In this time, an American played golf on the moon. War was
declared on poverty. Artistic expression flowered. An environmental movement
took shape. Still, many Americans were left wondering, "How could the nation’s
founding ideals be moved forward in such tumultuous times?"
Identify & LABEL as many people & historic events as possible! Then, fill notes below collage
This era began with confidence and ended in confusion. It opened with President
Kennedy’s inspiring call to service. Over the next two decades, the nation would
endure assassinations, an unpopular war, urban riots, political scandals, and an
energy shortage. By the end of the era, President Carter would be speaking of a
national "crisis in confidence." Carter’s gloom overshadowed many
accomplishments. In this time, an American played golf on the moon. War was
declared on poverty. Artistic expression flowered. An environmental movement
took shape. Still, many Americans were left wondering, "How could the nation’s
founding ideals be moved forward in such tumultuous times?"
Chapter 19
The Postwar Boom
1. What social, economic, and political changes
occurred after World War II?
Using the GI bill, millions of returning soldiers got an
education and bought homes in the growing
suburbs. After years of denial, consumers launched a
spending spree that helped fuel an economic boom.
Voters grew more conservative & Republican Dwight
D. Eisenhower was elected (Truman did NOT seek reelection); “Ike” desegregated the armed forces &
proposed a civil rights bill for African-Americans
(awareness of racial inequality increased)
2. What were the benefits and costs of prosperity in the 1950s?
While many enjoyed prosperity in the 1950s,
including more leisure time, critics said that the
new economy stifled individualism. Also, the
new car culture, which gave freedom to travel
and to live away from work, caused a decline of
the inner cities and added pollution and traffic
deaths to society’s woes. 40% of women
worked outside the home by 1960
3. Describe the values of 1950s popular culture
and the subcultures that arose in opposition.
Popular culture of the 1950s—spread largely
through television but also through print
media—deemphasized minorities and women.
The counterculture criticized material values and
conformity.
4. What groups were not touched by the
prosperity of the 1950s?
Most African Americans, Hispanics,
and Native Americans were denied
a part in the prosperity of the
1950s.
Ch. 41: Peace, Prosperity, & Progress
The years following World War II were a time of prosperity in the United
States. As the economy boomed, fears of a return to depression conditions
faded.During the 1950s, millions of working-class families became affluent
enough to move up into the middle class.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fair Deal President Harry Truman guided the transition from a wartime to a
peacetime economy. But he was unable to get his Fair Deal reform program
approved by a Republican Congress.
Taft-Hartley Act Immediately after the war, a series of labor strikes threatened to
cripple the economy. In response, Congress passed the Taft-Hartley Act, which
limited the power of unions.
Baby boom As the economy improved, Americans married and had children at
record rates. The result was a baby boom that lasted from 1946 to 1964.
Levittown Suburbs like Levittown attracted homebuyers by offering inexpensive
houses on small lots. Suburban life revolved around the so-called traditional
family, with a working dad and stay-at-home mom.
Sunbelt Besides leaving cities for suburbs, Americans were also moving from
northern states to the Sunbelt. California, Texas, and Florida all grew rapidly as a
result.
Interstate highway system A federally funded network of high-speed roads linked
the nation as never before. Better roads encouraged the growth of suburbs and
suburban shopping centers.
Polio vaccine Medical advances such as antibiotics increased life expectancy in
the 1950s. But no advance was more welcomed than the polio vaccine. This
vaccine ended a decades-long battle with a much-dreaded disease that caused
paralysis and death among its victims.
Ch. 42: Rebelling against Conformity
The 1950s were widely viewed as an age of conformity. Some social
critics worried that the suburbs had become wastelands of cultural
conformity and materialism. However, many currents of
nonconformity also swirled through this decade.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Suburbia Millions of Americans moved to suburbs during the 1950s. Critics like Lewis
Mumford predicted that the sameness of suburban homes would lead to a social
uniformity. But for many families, a move to the suburbs was the fulfillment of the
American dream.
The Organization Man Sociologists William Whyte and David Riesman explored
conformity in their widely read books. They argued that large corporations, suburbs,
television, and peer pressure were robbing Americans of their individuality.
Beat movement A group of nonconformists called beats rejected all forms of
convention. Beatniks rejected all forms of traditional society. Beat writers made major
contributions to American literature.
Youth culture Teenagers created their own culture of nonconformity by embracing comic
books, movies, music, and slang that annoyed or appalled their parents.
Rock ’n’ roll This now-familiar form of music was born in the 1950s. It was rooted in
African American rhythm and blues and featured simple melodies, basic chords, and a
strong, danceable beat. Many parents hated rock ’n’ roll, which made it even more
attractive to teenagers.
Abstract expressionism Painters like Jackson Pollock broke with realism in art to create a
new form known as abstract expressionism. Abstract expressionist paintings appealed to
viewers’ emotions rather than their rational thought.
Unit IV: Decades of Change
Be ready to listen to peers, read along in textbooks, ASK questions, complete an
collaborative, open-book assessment, & then participate in a learning activity.
There will be an individual objective QUIZ for each chapter.
Day 1: Teach “ttt” via PowerPoint
Day 2: Socratic Symposium, followed by “textbook test”
Day 3: Game, then QUIZ
The Americans
Visit Robinson SHARES folder for Ch. 20-24 “tttSociety:
textbook(s).
History Alive!
” answers. SKIMSummaries (in Shares) contain fill-in NOTES.
20…New Frontier & Great Society
43, 48, 49
21…Civil Rights
22…Vietnam Years
44, 45, 46, (47)
23…Era of Social Change
51, 52, 53
24…Age of Limits
Collaborative “chapter tests” will be worth 20 minor points.
Chapter quizzes (5) will be worth roughly 20-25 major points.
47, 50, 55
53, 54, 55
4th district exam is Monday,
May 23rd!
Be sure to READ & complete “ttt” questions and Alive! fill-in notes & exercises
BEFORE peers teach!
Chapter 20, Americans p. 668-697
The New Frontier and the Great Society
Responses will vary but should include points similar to the following:
1. The U.S. and Soviet Union clashed over the placement of missiles in Cuba, which
resulted in their removal by the Soviets, and over access to Berlin, which resulted in the
Soviets’ building of the Berlin Wall.
2. Kennedy was unable to get Congress to pass bills to provide medical care for the aged, to
rebuild cities, and to aid education, but he did win support for increased defense spending,
a hike in the minimum wage, and the creation of the Peace Corps.
3. Johnson’s Great Society comprised many measures such as civil rights protection,
Medicare and Medicaid to provide health care for the aged and poor, funding for public
housing, an end to immigration quotas, efforts to clean water, and consumer protection.
4. The Warren Court issued rulings that changed the rules for creating legislative districts
and enhanced the rights of people accused of crimes.
1. How did the United States and Soviet Union confront each
other during Kennedy’s term and how did the situations end?
The U.S. and Soviet Union clashed over the placement of
missiles in Cuba, which resulted in their removal by the
Soviets, and over access to Berlin, which resulted in the
Soviets’ building of the Berlin Wall.
Flexible response…ability to react to threats, including
nonnuclear, in a variety of ways (troops, ships, artillery);
explained by Sec. of Defense, Robert McNamara
“hot line” between the White House and the Kremlin
(Moscow)
Initially, communism was advancing (US appeared weak)
Bay of Pigs (Cuban exiles are trained to orchestrate a
“revolution”)
2. What policies did Kennedy push, and how well did he succeed
in having them passed?
Kennedy was unable to get Congress to pass bills to provide
medical care for the aged, to rebuild cities, and to aid education,
but he did win support for increased defense spending, a hike
in the minimum wage, and the creation of the Peace Corps.
3. Describe Johnson’s Great Society.
Johnson’s Great Society comprised many measures such as civil
rights protection, Medicare and Medicaid to provide health care
for the aged and poor, funding for public housing, an end to
immigration quotas, efforts to clean water, and consumer
protection.
4. What decisions were made by the Supreme
Court under Earl Warren?
The Warren Court issued rulings that changed the rules for
creating legislative districts and enhanced the rights of people
accused of crimes (Miranda rights)…”one person, one vote”
• Ch. 43: Two Americas
History Alive!
Why did poverty exist in an age of influence?
Michael Harrington’s The Other America revealed that despite the general affluence of
the 1950s, millions of “socially visible” Americans lived in poverty. Although people’s
views and understanding of poverty have changed over time, the problem persists.
Defining poverty Pauperism was once considered a moral failure. Today, poverty is
defined in terms of income. People below the poverty line do not have enough income to
live decently.
An invisible class In The Other America, Michael Harrington argued that the poor were
“invisible” for many reasons. They lived apart from the middle class but looked much the
same. They also played no role in politics.
Urban poverty Impoverished minorities became concentrated in decaying cities when the
middle class moved out. The Housing Act of 1949 launched urban renewal programs to
clear out slums and build new housing. However, many of these housing projects became
slums.
Rural poverty The growth of agribusiness harmed many farmers. Migrant workers on
corporate farms were not paid enough to lift them out of poverty. One of the poorest rural
regions, Appalachia, suffered from poor farming conditions and a declining coal industry.
American Indian policy Efforts by the federal government to “terminate” its responsibility
for Indian tribes led to increased poverty among Native Americans. The Voluntary
Relocation Program helped Indians move to cities, but many had trouble adapting to
urban life.
The “other America” today Despite government efforts, poverty is still a significant
problem in the United States. About 37 million Americans lived in poverty in 2005. Today’s
poor are younger and more diverse than those of the past. They are also more visible in
society.
Ch. 48: The Age of Camelot
Was John F. Kennedy a great president?
• During his brief time as president, John F. Kennedy faced many domestic and foreign
challenges. His presidency began with great optimism and ended in tragedy, leaving
many of his goals unfulfilled.
• New Frontier Kennedy’s New Frontier focused on reviving the economy, winning the
space race, building the nation’s defenses, and aiding developing countries.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration In 1961, Kennedy pledged to put an
American on the moon by the end of the decade. In 1969, NASA achieved this bold goal.
• Bay of Pigs invasion Kennedy’s first foreign policy initiative, the Bay of Pigs invasion, was
an attempt to remove Fidel Castro from power in Cuba. It failed miserably.
• Berlin Wall In 1961, a concrete barrier dividing communist East Berlin from
noncommunist West Berlin became a symbol of the deepening Cold War divide.
• Cuban missile crisis One of the most frightening confrontations of the Cold War occurred
when the United States discovered Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba. The crisis ended
peacefully, partly due to Kennedy’s measured response and a willingness to take the
nation to the brink of war.
• Test Ban Treaty Kennedy and Khrushchev, both determined to reduce Cold War tensions,
signed a treaty banning nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere.
• Peace Corps Kennedy’s Peace Corps gave thousands of American volunteers the chance
to help people in developing nations improve their lives.
Ch. 49: The Great Society
What is the proper role of government in shaping American society?
In 1964, voters elected liberal Democrat Lyndon Johnson by a wide margin. Johnson used
this mandate to enact a broad program of reforms he called the Great Society. With his
powers of persuasion, Johnson pushed more than 200 bills through Congress.
War on Poverty Johnson’s Great Society grew out of the liberal tradition of the Progressive
and New Deal eras. Its centerpiece was an ambitious War on Poverty.
Economic Opportunity Act This act created a number of antipoverty measures, including the
Job Corps, Project Head Start, and VISTA, which all helped cut poverty rates almost in half.
Medicare and Medicaid As part of the Great Society, Congress amended the Social Security
Act to include medical health insurance for the elderly and disabled.
Immigration Act of 1965 This measure ended the national origins quota system begun in the
1920s. Entry to the United States was now based on criteria such as skills and family ties.
Silent Spring This influential book sparked a new interest in environmentalism. As a result,
Congress passed several environmental laws.
“One person, one vote” The activist Warren Court changed the political landscape by
insisting that states create legislative districts following the principle of “one person, one vote.”
Miranda rights In a series of controversial decisions, the Warren Court expanded the rights of
the accused. It ensured that people placed under arrest be informed of their rights before
questioning.
Chapter 21, Americans p. 698-727
Civil Rights
Responses will vary but should include points similar to the following:
1.The civil rights movement began with changes caused by World War II. The NAACP
pushed lawsuits that won African Americans the right to desegregation in
education. The Montgomery bus boycott prompted the rise of Martin Luther King,
Jr., as a leader of the movement.
2. Violent attacks on civil rights workers in the South prompted President Kennedy
to ask Congress for a civil rights law. A massive march on Washington and his
assassination, as well as President Johnson’s skill, led to its passage. The Voting
Rights Act was passed due to Johnson’s support after another massive march in the
South.
3. The civil rights movement changed as it tried to dislodge de facto segregation in
the North and as angrier voices called for strong resistance to white racism.
4. The civil rights movement had mixed results in that it succeeded in overturning
many discriminatory laws but could not unseat entranced de facto discrimination.
Many African Americans still suffer from poverty and the lack of opportunities.
Chapter 21
Americans, p. 698-727
Civil Rights
1. How did the civil rights movement begin?
The civil rights movement began with changes caused
by World War II. The NAACP pushed lawsuits that won
African Americans the right to desegregation in
education. The Montgomery bus boycott (Rosa Parks)
prompted the rise of Martin Luther King, Jr., as a leader
of the movement.
-post-WW II (fairness, “real” jobs, better pay)
Tuskeegee Airmen… “Redtails”
-Brown v. Board of Education Topeka, Kansas (1954)
Chapter 21,
Americans, p. 698-727
Civil Rights
2. What events led Congress to pass the Civil Rights
and Voting Rights acts?
Violent attacks on civil rights workers in the South
prompted President Kennedy to ask Congress for a civil
rights law. A massive march on Washington and his
assassination, as well as President Johnson’s skill, led
to its passage. The Voting Rights Act was passed due to
Johnson’s support after another massive march in the
South.
-(“Bloody Sunday,” first of two marches)
Chapter 21
Americans, p. 698-727
Civil Rights
3. How did the civil rights movement change?
The civil rights movement changed as it tried to
dislodge de facto segregation in the North and as
angrier voices called for strong resistance to white
racism.
-laws vs. attitudes (common practice)
-Malcolm X & the Black Panthers (Power
movement)
Chapter 21, Civil Rights
Americans, p. 698-727
4. Why could the results of the movement be called
mixed?
The civil rights movement had mixed results in that it
succeeded in overturning many discriminatory laws
but could not unseat entrenched de facto
discrimination. Many African Americans still suffer
from poverty and the lack of opportunities.
-housing, voting rights, schooling, etc.
Ch. 44: Segregation in the Post-WW II Period
How did segregation affect American life in the postwar period?
Segregation remained widespread in the United States after World War II, especially in the
South. But there were also signs of change. In the 1940s and 1950s, desegregation began in sports
and the military. Civil rights organizations grew stronger. The landmark Supreme Court ruling Brown
v. Board of Education heralded the beginning of the modern civil rights movement.
Segregated society Segregation affected every aspect of life in the Jim Crow South. De jure
segregation was defined by law, while de facto segregation was determined by custom. Blacks in the
North and West also experienced de facto segregation, especially in housing.
Breaking the color line Professional sports began to be integrated in the late 1940s. Most notable
was Jackie Robinson’s entry into major league baseball.T he integration of professional football and
basketball soon followed.
Executive Order 9981 President Truman was determined to integrate the armed forces. His executive
order, issued in 1948, ended segregation in the military.
Civil rights groups Civil rights organizations gained strength in the postwar years. CORE was
dedicated to civil rights reform through nonviolent action. The National Urban League tried to help
African Americans who were living in northern cities. The NAACP began a legal branch and launched a
campaign, led by Thurgood Marshall, to challenge the constitutionality of segregation.
Brown v. Board of Education The NAACP’s legal campaign triumphed in 1954, when the Warren
Court issued the Brown v. Board of Education decision. This ruling declared segregation in public
schools to be unconstitutional and undermined the legal basis for segregation in other areas of
American life.
Ch. 45: The Civil Rights Revolution: “Like a Mighty Stream”
How did civil rights activists advance the ideals of liberty, equality, &
opportunity for African Americans?
Between 1955 and 1965, many key events took place in the civil rights movement. African
Americans made great progress in their struggle for rights and equality.
Montgomery Bus Boycott In 1955, blacks in Montgomery, Alabama, began a lengthy boycott
of the city’s segregated bus system. As a result, Montgomery’s buses were integrated.
SCLC and SNCC These two groups helped organize nonviolent civil rights actions. The Southern
Christian Leadership Conference was led by Martin Luther King Jr. It played a major role in the
Birmingham campaign and other events. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
organized sit-ins and engaged in other forms of civil disobedience.
Freedom Rides In 1961, black and white Freedom Riders rode buses through the South. They
were testing southern compliance with laws outlawing segregation in interstate transport. The
riders were subjected to violence and eventually received federal protection.
March on Washington A quarter of a million people marched in Washington, D.C., in August
1963 to demand jobs and freedom. The highlight of this event was Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I
have a dream” speech.
Freedom Summer In the summer of 1964, activists led voter registration drives in the South
for African Americans.
Landmark legislation The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination on the basis of race,
sex, religion, or national origin. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed literacy tests, enabling
many African Americans to vote.
Ch. 46: Redefining Equality: From Black Power to Affirmative Action
How did civil rights activists change their strategies and goals in the 1960s and 1970s,
and how successful were they in achieving racial equality?
The civil rights movement changed course in the mid-1960s, moving beyond the South and
expanding its goals. Some activists also abandoned the strategy of nonviolence.
Black power In 1966, civil rights activists began calling for black power. They wanted African
Americans to have economic and political power, as well as pride in their African heritage.
Watts riot In the summer of 1965, the Watts section of Los Angeles exploded in violence.
This event was followed by riots in black ghettos across the nation.
Kerner Commission This commission, established by Lyndon Johnson to study the riots,
concluded that their fundamental cause was pent-up resentment over historic inequalities.
Nation of Islam Also called Black Muslims, the Nation of Islam advocated black nationalism.
Its members believed that blacks should live apart from whites and control their own
communities.
Black Panther Party The Black Panther Party demanded economic and political rights.
Unlike nonviolent civil rights leaders, the Black Panthers were prepared to fight to realize
their goals.
Civil Rights Act of 1968 The most important clause in this law bans discrimination in the
sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, or sex.
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education In this decision, the Supreme Court
ruled that busing is an acceptable way to achieve school integration.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke In its first case on affirmative action, the
Supreme Court ruled that race may be used as one, but not the only, factor in school
admissions.
Ch. 47: The Widening Struggle
Why and how did the civil rights movement expand?
The civil rights movement inspired many Americans to stand up for their rights. During the
1960s and 1970s, various groups sought equal treatment under the law and in society.
Women The National Organization for Women (NOW) and other feminist groups worked for
women’s rights. They wanted reforms to ensure greater equality and opportunity for women.
Latinos Various groups of Latinos struggled for their rights and identity in American society. The
United Farm Workers (UFW) organized migrant farmworkers and helped increase their wages and
benefits. The 1968 Bilingual Education Act required public schools to provide bilingual instruction.
American Indians The American Indian Movement (AIM) protested unfair treatment of American
Indians. By the mid-1970s, some tribes had won payment for lost lands.
Asian Americans Asian American students asked for university programs in ethnic studies. The
Japanese Americans Citizens League (JACL) sought compensation for internment during World
War II.
Other groups Disabled Americans fought for equal access and won passage of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. After the Stonewall riots, gay Americans gained greater visibility in their fight
for equal rights. Older Americans countered ageism by working through such groups as the Gray
Panthers.
Chapter 22, Americans p. 728-765
The Vietnam War Years
1. The U.S. entered the war in Vietnam to try to support the government of the South
because it did not want communists in the North to control the whole country.
2. The U.S. could not quickly defeat the Vietcong because they engaged in guerrilla tactics
of quick attacks and disappearing into the jungle. The result was a loss of morale among
U.S. soldiers.
3. As the war continued and victory seemed less achievable, American society split into
hawks, who favored the war, and doves, who opposed it. They were bitterly opposed to
each other, and some hawks thought that antiwar protesters were disloyal.
4. The year 1968 was marked by loss of confidence and violence: a major North Vietnamese
offensive weakened American support for fighting the war. Also, President Johnson decided
not to seek re-election, two major leaders were killed, and violence marred the Democratic
convention.
5. As a result of the war in Vietnam, many American soldiers were dead or wounded, and
many more scarred by their reception when they returned home. The war created deep
divisions in American society and opened mistrust of people toward the government
Chapter 22
Americans, p. 728765
The Vietnam War Years
1. Why did the U.S. enter the war in Vietnam?
The U.S. entered the war in Vietnam to try to
support the government of the South because it
did not want communists in the North to control
the whole country.
-containment; Eisenhower supported Diem
(opposed Ho); USS Maddox/Gulf of Tonkin
incident (Resolution)
Additional details/answers?
Chapter 22
Americans, p. 728-765
The Vietnam War Years
2. Why could the U.S. not win a quick victory over
the Viet Cong, and what was the effect?
The U.S. could not quickly defeat the Vietcong because
they engaged in guerrilla tactics of quick attacks and
disappearing into the jungle. The result was a loss of
morale among U.S. soldiers.
-political limitations were placed on superior US
weapons & numbers (military was not “effective”);
enemy was difficult to identify; napalm
(incendiary/explosive); agent orange (defoliant); civil
war (self-determination)…QUAGMIRE!
-Additional details/answers?
Chapter 22
Americans, p. 728765
The Vietnam War Years
3. How did public opinion split over the war?
As the war continued and victory seemed less
achievable, American society split into hawks, who
favored the war, and doves, who opposed it. They
were bitterly opposed to each other, and some
hawks thought that antiwar protesters were
disloyal.
-“draft dodgers” fled to Canada or burned draft
cards; returning vets greeted harshly (spit on);
Additional details/answers?
Chapter 22
Americans, p. 728-765
The Vietnam War Years
4. Why is 1968 considered a year of upheaval?
The year 1968 was marked by loss of confidence and
violence: a major North Vietnamese offensive*
weakened American support for fighting the war. Also,
President Johnson decided not to seek re-election, two
major leaders (MLK and Robert Kennedy) were killed,
and violence marred the Democratic convention.
-*Tet Offensive; presidential advisors questioned the
war; Nixon elected president
Additional details/answers?
Chapter 22
Americans, p. 728-765
The Vietnam War Years
5. What were the effects of the war?
As a result of the war in Vietnam, many American
soldiers were dead (58,000+) or wounded (158303,000+), and many more scarred by their reception
when they returned home. The war created deep
divisions in American society and opened mistrust of
people toward the government.
-Tet Offensive (lied about “success?”); changed US
foreign policy (Congressional limits on troop
commitments); “Pentagon Papers”
Additional details/answers?
Ch. 51: The United States gets involved in Vietnam
Why did the U.S. increase its military involvement in Vietnam?
After World War II, nationalist and communist rebels in the French colony of Vietnam fought for
their independence. A 1954 agreement ending this colonial war split the country into communist
North Vietnam and democratic South Vietnam. When France pulled out the following year, the
United States stepped in to prop up South Vietnam. Over the years, American involvement grew and
eventually led to the introduction of U.S. ground forces.
First Indochina War
In this first phase of fighting, which lasted from 1946 to 1954, Ho Chi Minh led Viet Minh insurgents in
the struggle to end French rule in Vietnam.
Geneva Accords The First Indochina War ended with a 1954 agreement known as the Geneva
Accords. The accords split Vietnam into north and south but called for elections to reunify the country.
The United States backed South Vietnam financially and militarily.
Viet Cong Insurgents in the south, known as the Viet Cong, worked to overthrow the nominally
democratic but corrupt government of South Vietnam. The Viet Cong received aid from communist
North Vietnam.
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution An alleged attack on U.S. ships off the coast of North Vietnam led Congress
to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resolution gave President Johnson broad powers to expand
the U.S. role in Vietnam. Massive air strikes against North Vietnam followed.
Ho Chi Minh Trail By 1965, North Vietnamese Army troops were moving south along the Ho Chi Minh
Trail to help the Viet Cong. The United States feared that South Vietnam would fall without more direct
support.
Americanization In March 1965, the United States began sending ground troops to fight the Vietnam
War. The war quickly became an American conflict.
Ch. 52: Facing Frustration in Vietnam
What made the Vietnam War difficult to win?
The United States decided to wage a limited war in Vietnam, with limited troop strength. Fighting an
elusive enemy on unfamiliar terrain frustrated U.S. soldiers. The South Vietnamese people
themselves were unsure whom to support: the Saigon government or the communist-backed Viet
Cong. As the war dragged on, American antiwar protests grew. Opposition to the war greatly
affected the 1968 elections.
War of attrition The U.S. military waged a war of attrition, hoping to wear down the enemy by
inflicting heavy losses. Increasing the enemy body count became a key military goal.
Opposing Vietnamese armies Regular troops of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) joined forces with
Viet Cong insurgents. The United States trained the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) to defend
South Vietnam.
New weapons of war The United States sprayed the herbicide Agent Orange to clear forest vegetation
and expose the enemy. It dropped napalm firebombs that burned forests and buildings and caused
widespread destruction. Both weapons had devastating effects on the Vietnamese population.
Credibility gap The Johnson administration’s optimistic public assessments of the war did not match
reality. This created a credibility gap, and many Americans lost faith in the president.
Protest movement Antiwar protesters on college campuses and elsewhere held demonstrations and
carried out acts of civil disobedience. The protesters called for peace negotiations and an end to the
war.
Tet Offensive Some 45,000 Viet Cong and NVA soldiers died after launching a major offensive in 1968.
But the Tet Offensive also boosted U.S. opposition to the war and undermined the Johnson presidency,
helping to pave the way for Richard Nixon’s election in 1968.
Ch. 53: Getting Out of Vietnam
What lessons for Americans emerged from the Vietnam War?
In 1969, President Nixon began withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam, but the war continued
throughout his time in office. He carried on peace talks with the North Vietnamese but also
ordered massive bombing of North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. He faced ongoing protests
from the antiwar movement and criticism from Congress. In 1973, the last U.S. combat forces
came home. North Vietnam swept to victory over the South in 1975.
Vietnamization Nixon’s Vietnamization of the war allowed for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and
prepared South Vietnam to take over responsibility for the war.
My Lai massacre In 1968, U.S. soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in the
village of My Lai. Reports of the massacre shocked Americans and increased antiwar protests.
Kent State shootings The invasion of Cambodia in April 1970 sparked an increase in antiwar
protests. The most violent one occurred the following month at Kent State University in Ohio,
where National Guard troops fired into an angry crowd, killing four students.
War Powers Resolution Congress reacted to Nixon’s activities in Cambodia by passing the War
Powers Resolution. This resolution limits a president’s ability to send armed forces into combat.
Pentagon Papers In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked to the press a top-secret study of the U.S. role
in Indochina. This study, the Pentagon Papers, revealed secrecy and deceit on the part of U.S.
presidents.
Boat people The North Vietnamese defeated South Vietnam and took control in 1975. This
prompted an exodus of refugees from Indochina, many of whom fled by boat.
Chapter 23, Americans p. 766 -789
An Era of Social Change
Responses will vary but should include points similar to the following:
1. To win higher wages and better benefits, Latinos farm workers organized into a
union. Other Latinos formed political groups to field candidates.
2. Many Native Americans, unhappy with past government policies, came together
to issue the Declaration of Indian Purpose, which called for freedom to choose
their own way of life. Some Native Americans formed the American Indian
Movement to push for faster results. Others used lawsuits to win education and
land rights.
3. The women’s movement succeeded in winning better treatment on the job and
better access to education. But it failed to win approval of the Equal Rights
Amendment.
4. The counterculture faded because hippies found they could not survive without
mainstream society and because of problems caused by drugs. It changed art and
fashion and helped increase the influence of rock ’n’ roll, however.
Chapter 23
Americans, p. 766789
An Era of Social Change
1. What did Latinos do to fight for equality?
To win higher wages and better benefits, Latino
farm workers organized into a union. Other Latinos
formed political groups to field candidates.
Chapter 23
Americans, p. 766789
An Era of Social Change
2. What did Native Americans want?
Many Native Americans, unhappy with past
government policies, came together to issue the
Declaration of Indian Purpose, which called for
freedom to choose their own way of life. Some
Native Americans formed the American Indian
Movement to push for faster results. Others used
lawsuits to win education and land rights.
Chapter 23
Americans, p. 776-779
An Era of Social Change Alive! 716-717
The women’s movement succeeded in winning better
treatment on the job and better access to education.
But it failed to win approval of the Equal Rights
Amendment.
-Roe v. Wade; birth control pill; more women attended
higher education; Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine
Mystique
-ERA is defeated; Bella Abzug & Gloria Steinem (activist
& creator of Ms. Magazine) (NWPC); NOW (National
Organization for Women); comparable worth ($); “glass
ceiling”
Additional details/answers?
Chapter 23
Americans, p. 781-784
An Era of Social Change Alive! Ch. 50, p. 649-653
The counterculture faded because hippies found they
could not survive without mainstream society and
because of problems caused by drugs. It changed art
and fashion and helped increase the influence of rock
’n’ roll, however.
--Woodstock (3 days of peace, love, & music); famous
rock stars died (Jimi Hendrix & Janis Joplin); HaightAshbury-San Francisco, CA “hippie capital”; Beatles
arrive 1964;
-The Beat Movement (Beatniks) of the 50s evolved into
the “hippies” of the 60s & 70s
• Ch. 43: Two Americas
History Alive!
Why did poverty exist in an age of influence?
Michael Harrington’s The Other America revealed that despite the general affluence of
the 1950s, millions of “socially visible” Americans lived in poverty. Although people’s
views and understanding of poverty have changed over time, the problem persists.
Defining poverty Pauperism was once considered a moral failure. Today, poverty is
defined in terms of income. People below the poverty line do not have enough income to
live decently.
An invisible class In The Other America, Michael Harrington argued that the poor were
“invisible” for many reasons. They lived apart from the middle class but looked much the
same. They also played no role in politics.
Urban poverty Impoverished minorities became concentrated in decaying cities when the
middle class moved out. The Housing Act of 1949 launched urban renewal programs to
clear out slums and build new housing. However, many of these housing projects became
slums.
Rural poverty The growth of agribusiness harmed many farmers. Migrant workers on
corporate farms were not paid enough to lift them out of poverty. One of the poorest rural
regions, Appalachia, suffered from poor farming conditions and a declining coal industry.
American Indian policy Efforts by the federal government to “terminate” its responsibility
for Indian tribes led to increased poverty among Native Americans. The Voluntary
Relocation Program helped Indians move to cities, but many had trouble adapting to
urban life.
The “other America” today Despite government efforts, poverty is still a significant
problem in the United States. About 37 million Americans lived in poverty in 2005. Today’s
poor are younger and more diverse than those of the past. They are also more visible in
society.
Ch. 47: The Widening Struggle
Why and how did the civil rights movement expand?
The civil rights movement inspired many Americans to stand up for their rights. During the
1960s and 1970s, various groups sought equal treatment under the law and in society.
Women The National Organization for Women (NOW) and other feminist groups worked for
women’s rights. They wanted reforms to ensure greater equality and opportunity for women.
Latinos Various groups of Latinos struggled for their rights and identity in American society. The
United Farm Workers (UFW) organized migrant farmworkers and helped increase their wages and
benefits. The 1968 Bilingual Education Act required public schools to provide bilingual instruction.
American Indians The American Indian Movement (AIM) protested unfair treatment of American
Indians. By the mid-1970s, some tribes had won payment for lost lands.
Asian Americans Asian American students asked for university programs in ethnic studies. The
Japanese Americans Citizens League (JACL) sought compensation for internment during World
War II.
Other groups Disabled Americans fought for equal access and won passage of the Americans
with Disabilities Act. After the Stonewall riots, gay Americans gained greater visibility in their fight
for equal rights. Older Americans countered ageism by working through such groups as the Gray
Panthers.
Ch. 50: The Emergence of a Counterculture
What was the impact of a counterculture on American society?
Members of the counterculture valued individual freedom and expression over materialism. Their
values created a generation gap between themselves and older, mainstream Americans.
The New Left Politically active college students formed a movement known as the New Left. In 1964,
the Free Speech Movement challenged the University of California at Berkeley.
Hippies Members of the counterculture, known as hippies, believed in peace, love, and individual
freedom. They shunned the Establishment and its materialistic values.
Sexual revolution As living together before marriage and getting divorced became more accepted in
the 1960s, the divorce rate went up, as did the number of children living with a single parent.
Drug use Casual attitudes toward the use of illegal drugs shocked mainstream America.
Rock ’n’ roll Psychedelic rock combined musical styles with light shows to create vivid experiences.
The music festival Woodstock drew media attention to the counterculture.
Impact of the counterculture The media introduced countercultural values to mainstream America
through television and radio, as well as art, music, and theater.
Ch. 55: Politics and Society in the “Me Decade”
How should historians characterize the 1970s?
During the 1970s, the U.S. economy suffered from stagflation as the nation faced a number of crises.
The decade was also a time of changing views about everything from the environment and ethnicity
to retirement and gender equality.
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries A major cause of inflation was OPEC’s decision to
raise the price of oil. This led to rising prices for many goods.
National Energy Act In 1978, Congress tried to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. The National
Energy Act offered incentives for conserving energy or using alternative energy sources.
Camp David Accords In 1978, Jimmy Carter brokered a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
The Camp David Accords ended the long state of war between these two countries.
Earth Day The first Earth Day celebration in 1970 signaled the emergence of a new environmental
movement. Followers worked to clean up and protect the environment locally and globally. Congress
passed antipollution laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Three Mile Island accident An accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in 1978
highlighted the potential dangers of nuclear energy.
Searching for meaning During the 1970s, many Americans turned inward to search for meaning.
Some explored self-help movements, others new religions, and others their ethnic identity.
Population changes Fewer births and longer life expectancies led to an aging of the U.S. population.
The population also shifted south, as people migrated from the Rustbelt to the Sunbelt.
Gender equality Women worked to gain greater equality in the workplace and politics. In growing
numbers, women entered professions that had once been dominated by males.
Chapter 24, Americans p. 792-827
An Age of Limits
Responses will vary but should include points similar to the
following:
1. Nixon reversed past U.S. policy by opening relations with
Communist China and pursued more friendly relations with the
Soviet Union.
2. The cover-up of Watergate represented the president’s effort to
block investigations, thus trying to put himself above the law.
3. Ford tried to end inflation with energy conservation and higher
interest rates. Carter tried to use voluntary price freezes and
spending cuts.
4. The debate over environmental laws focus on the need for
economic development and for protection of natural resources.
Chapter 24
Americans, p. 792827
An Age of Limits
Alive! P. 697-707
1. How did Nixon ease Cold War tensions?
Nixon reversed past U.S. policy by opening
relations with Communist China and pursued
more friendly relations with the Soviet Union.
Chapter 24
807
An Age of Limits
Americans, p. 802Alive! P. 704-707
The cover-up of Watergate represented the
president’s effort to block investigations, thus
trying to put himself above the law.
-Nixon resigned instead of facing impeachment
(August 8, 1974); burglary & “high crimes &
misdemeanors” were committed (1972) while
spying on Democratic National Headquarters;
failure to disclose activity led to Nixon’s downfall,
& tape recorded conversations sealed his fate
Chapter 24
Americans, p. 792827
An Age of Limits
3. How did Ford and Carter try to fix economic
problems, and why didn’t their plans work?
Ford tried to end inflation with energy
conservation and higher interest rates. Carter
tried to use voluntary price freezes and spending
cuts.
Chapter 24
827
An Age of Limits
Americans, p. 792Alive! p. 714-715
The debate over environmental laws focus on the
need for economic development and for
protection of natural resources.
-Earth Day (4/22/1970); Environmental Protection
Act (EPA); Clean Water (1972) and Safe Drinking
Water Act (1974); Three Mile Island accident
(3/28/1979)
Ch. 53: Getting Out of Vietnam
What lessons for Americans emerged from the Vietnam War?
In 1969, President Nixon began withdrawing U.S. troops from Vietnam, but the war continued
throughout his time in office. He carried on peace talks with the North Vietnamese but also
ordered massive bombing of North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. He faced ongoing protests
from the antiwar movement and criticism from Congress. In 1973, the last U.S. combat forces
came home. North Vietnam swept to victory over the South in 1975.
Vietnamization Nixon’s Vietnamization of the war allowed for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and
prepared South Vietnam to take over responsibility for the war.
My Lai massacre In 1968, U.S. soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in the
village of My Lai. Reports of the massacre shocked Americans and increased antiwar protests.
Kent State shootings The invasion of Cambodia in April 1970 sparked an increase in antiwar
protests. The most violent one occurred the following month at Kent State University in Ohio,
where National Guard troops fired into an angry crowd, killing four students.
War Powers Resolution Congress reacted to Nixon’s activities in Cambodia by passing the War
Powers Resolution. This resolution limits a president’s ability to send armed forces into combat.
Pentagon Papers In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked to the press a top-secret study of the U.S. role
in Indochina. This study, the Pentagon Papers, revealed secrecy and deceit on the part of U.S.
presidents.
Boat people The North Vietnamese defeated South Vietnam and took control in 1975. This
prompted an exodus of refugees from Indochina, many of whom fled by boat.
Ch. 54: The Rise and Fall of Richard Nixon
What events influenced Richard Nixon’s rise to and fall from power?
Richard Nixon won the presidency in 1968. While in office, he made strides toward easing the
tensions of the Cold War. He also saw many of his domestic policies enacted. However, scandal
forced him to resign in disgrace in 1974.
New Federalism Nixon came into office determined to revive federalism. He hoped to reduce the
power of the federal government and return power to the states. Revenue sharing, central to his plan,
allowed state and local governments to spend tax revenues as they saw fit.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Despite his promise to shrink the federal
government, Nixon created OSHA, which works to improve health and safety in the workplace.
Environmental Protection Agency Another new agency, the EPA, was created to protect Americans’
health and the natural environment.
Energy crisis Nixon tried to revive a stagnant economy with increased spending while fighting inflation
with wage and price controls. However, an energy crisis made a bad situation worse.
Détente Nixon tried to encourage détente, or a relaxation of Cold War tensions. In 1972, he visited
both communist China and the Soviet Union.
Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty In 1972, Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed SALT I, the
first superpower treaty to place limits on the arms race.
Watergate scandal In 1972, burglars broke into Democratic headquarters in the Watergate building.
The scandal over the cover-up that followed the break-in led to Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
Ch. 55: Politics and Society in the “Me Decade”
How should historians characterize the 1970s?
During the 1970s, the U.S. economy suffered from stagflation as the nation faced a number of crises.
The decade was also a time of changing views about everything from the environment and ethnicity
to retirement and gender equality.
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries A major cause of inflation was OPEC’s decision to
raise the price of oil. This led to rising prices for many goods.
National Energy Act In 1978, Congress tried to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. The National
Energy Act offered incentives for conserving energy or using alternative energy sources.
Camp David Accords In 1978, Jimmy Carter brokered a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
The Camp David Accords ended the long state of war between these two countries.
Earth Day The first Earth Day celebration in 1970 signaled the emergence of a new environmental
movement. Followers worked to clean up and protect the environment locally and globally. Congress
passed antipollution laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Three Mile Island accident An accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in 1978
highlighted the potential dangers of nuclear energy.
Searching for meaning During the 1970s, many Americans turned inward to search for meaning.
Some explored self-help movements, others new religions, and others their ethnic identity.
Population changes Fewer births and longer life expectancies led to an aging of the U.S. population.
The population also shifted south, as people migrated from the Rustbelt to the Sunbelt.
Gender equality Women worked to gain greater equality in the workplace and politics. In growing
numbers, women entered professions that had once been dominated by males.
Unit IV: Decades of Change
Essential Questions
1. How does social and cultural change (suburban life) impact 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?
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 participate to influence the government and reform
society, but are often met with opposition.
4. Breaches of trust by leaders damage the public’s confidence in government.
EQ 1. How does suburban life shape the individual?
• Effects of the GI Bill and the expansion of
suburbanization, including Levittowns.
• Influence of popular culture, the role of
the mass media, and consumerism.
• Criticisms of conformity and the role of
women in American society in the 1950s.
EQ 2. How can people change society?
• The economic, political and social status of AfricanAmericans living in the North and South after WWII.
• Leadership and ideology of Martin Luther King, Jr. and
Malcolm X in the civil rights movement and their legacies.
• Use of organizations, marches and civil disobedience to
change public opinion and pressure government action.
• Resistance to civil rights in the South between 1954 and
1965.
• Causes and effects of the modern feminism movement.
EQ 3. How far should the government go to promote
equality and opportunity?
• Role of the legislative, executive and judicial
branches in advancing the civil rights
movement.
• Goals and effectiveness of “Great Society”
programs.
• A new wave of immigrants from Asia and Latin
America after 1965.
• Effectiveness of government in addressing
social and environmental issues.
EQ 4. What happens when the government loses the
support of the public?
• The Vietnam policy of the United States
Government, including the draft, and the
shifts in public opinion about the war.
• Nixon administration’s involvement in
Watergate and the effects of Watergate on
public opinion
EQ 5. Did America move closer or further away from its
founding ideals in the three decades after World War II?
• How the ideals of liberty, equality,
opportunity, rights and democracy were
exemplified or contradicted during this time
period.
Wednesday-Friday, May 18-20
• Students will casually review Unit IV: Decades
of Change material in preparation for
Monday’s unit exam.
• Time permitting, Unit V: End of the Cold War
& Contemporary America materials will be
distributed. Ch. 25 & 26+, plus History Alive!
56-60