Himler History: Political Socialization and Events

Introduction

• Focus on Unit 4 of AP Government curriculum.
• Discuss how important events influence political beliefs.
• Concept of political socialization: how we come to hold political beliefs.

Cultural Factors and Political Socialization

• Various factors influence political beliefs: family, education, generation.
• New factor: Political Events.

Impact of Political Events

• Significant national events can greatly impact political beliefs.

Examples by Generations

Silent Generation (1920s - 1945)

• Great Depression
  • Experience of economic hardship.
  • Election of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
  • Expansion of federal government and New Deal programs.
  • Trust in government intervention.
• World War II
  • Reinforced trust in government.

Baby Boomers

• Vietnam War
  • Loss of trust due to Pentagon Papers and government deceit.
  • Richard Nixon's resignation over illegal re-election plot.
• 1980 Election
  • Shift from Democratic to Republican Party.
  • Influence of Ronald Reagan's view: "Government is the problem."

Millennials

• September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks
  • Initial national unity.
  • Realization of America's over-intervention in the Middle East.
  • Focus on foreign policy and international cooperation.

Understanding Influence of Events

• Events shape voting behavior but don't dictate party preference.
• Examples illustrate tendencies, not absolutes.

Conclusion

• Major events influence political socialization and voting patterns.
• Influence varies across individuals and depends on personal perspectives.

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