Social Movements in 1960s and 1970s

Sample Solution

  The social movements of the 1960s and 1970s were a time of great upheaval and change in the United States. These movements challenged the status quo on a number of issues, including civil rights, women's rights, and environmental protection.

Full Answer Section

    Many of these movements can be described as going through two phases: an initial phase where they offered legislative solutions, and a second phase where they attempted to effect broad cultural change. The first phase of these movements was often successful in achieving legislative change. For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped to end segregation and expand voting rights for African Americans. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 helped to close the gender pay gap. And the Clean Air Act of 1970 helped to reduce air pollution. However, the legislative victories of these movements were not always enough to achieve lasting change. For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not end racism in the United States. And the Clean Air Act of 1970 did not prevent air pollution from becoming a serious problem. This is why many of these movements moved into a second phase, where they attempted to effect broad cultural change. This second phase was often more challenging than the first, but it was also more lasting. For example, the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s helped to change the way that Americans thought about race. The women's rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s helped to change the way that Americans thought about gender. And the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s helped to change the way that Americans thought about the environment. In conclusion, both the legislative and cultural phases of the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s had a significant impact on America. However, the cultural phase was perhaps more lasting, as it helped to change the way that Americans thought about some of the most important issues of the day. Which phase had a greater effect on America? It is difficult to say definitively which phase of the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s had a greater effect on America. However, it is clear that both phases were important. The legislative phase was important because it helped to achieve concrete changes in the law. These changes helped to improve the lives of millions of Americans. The cultural phase was important because it helped to change the way that Americans thought about some of the most important issues of the day. These changes have had a lasting impact on American society. Ultimately, the two phases of these movements were complementary. The legislative phase helped to create a foundation for change, and the cultural phase helped to ensure that that change would be lasting.