Notes on the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s

Overview

• Unique period in American history characterized by cultural revolution.
• Split in society: some embrace change; others seek stability and traditional values.
• Grassroots political action and social protests emerge as primary techniques for change.

Key Movements

New Left

• Emerged by the end of the 1960s.
• Focused on civil rights, anti-war activism, and social justice.
• Prominent figures include Tom Hayden from SDS (Students for a Democratic Society).

Women's Movement

• Gained momentum in the 1970s alongside the New Left.
• Women began to organize for their rights, demanding equality and challenge gender hierarchy.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964) aimed to eradicate discrimination based on sex.

Environmental Movement

• Gained traction during the late 1960s and 1970s.
• Activism often fueled by personal experiences, such as hazardous living conditions in communities like Love Canal.

Cultural Shifts

• Youth culture in the 1960s rejected middle-class conventions.
• The counterculture was closely linked with Western USA, particularly San Francisco and Los Angeles.
• Growing acceptance of diverse identities including ethnic, sexual, and cultural identities.

Native American Activism

• Native Americans sought recognition, often mirroring civil rights movements.
• Occupation of Alcatraz Island as a significant protest action.
• Wounded Knee incident highlighted tensions between Native Americans and federal authority.

Latino Civil Rights

• Mexican Americans began to assert cultural and political identity through movements led by figures like Cesar Chavez.
• The United Farm Workers' Great Grape Strike of the late 1960s aimed for better wages and working conditions.

Identity and Multiculturalism

• Increasing assertion of identity among various minority groups challenges the melting pot idea of American society.
• Debates surrounding bilingual education reflect broader tensions regarding multicultural acceptance.

Gender and Feminism

• Women began to demand liberation and equality, particularly within movements where they faced discrimination.
• The establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW) marked a pivotal moment for women's rights activism.

Liberalism and Political Change

• The 1960s saw liberal movements advocating for freedom of expression and individual rights.
• Tensions within the Democratic Party regarding the advocacy for minority rights versus an older sense of uniformity.
• Republican Party emphasized traditional values during this period.

Environmental Concerns

• Environmental degradation became more visible, prompting public activism for change.
• Personal stories of affected individuals, like those from Love Canal, spurred political organization.

Legacy of the 1960s

• Increased public participation in decision-making is a major legacy.
• Expectations for government accountability and public engagement have become common norms in American society.

Conclusion

• The cultural revolutions of the 1960s and 70s led to significant changes in American society, establishing the groundwork for diverse identities, civil rights movements, and environmental activism.