SC - Social Change Module Overview
Social Change
Introduction
Remember during Radical Reconstruction when African Americans were allowed to vote and have greater opportunities in society? You also may remember that those rights were taken away after Reconstruction and a system of racial segregation emerged. During the mid 20th Century new leaders emerged to lead a movement that pushed for equal rights in society. In the 1950s and 60s, African Americans successfully challenged segregation, won voting rights, and made other gains. Civil rights legislation was a part of a much larger drive of equality for a variety of groups.
American involvement in Vietnam grew over time until half a million U.S. troops were involved in a ground war to prevent the spread of communism. As the war dragged on, many Americans became involved in a movement to end American involvement in the conflict. Richard Nixon began withdrawing troops and pursued a policy of attempting to relax Cold War tensions known as détente. Later, his involvement in the Watergate scandal led to his resignation. The 1970s featured many challenges on the economic front with unemployment, inflation, and gas prices rising rapidly.
Essential Questions
- How did the Civil Rights Movement achieve major goals in restoring and expanding equality and access for many Americans?
- Why did Vietnam become such a controversial war that had a large impact both on foreign policy and domestic affairs?
- What were some of the major events and challenges of the 1970s?
Textbook Assignment
Read the chapter in your textbook that relates to this module. Your instructor will provide you with a specific reading schedule.
Key Terms
Click here to look over your key terms for this module Links to an external site.. Then review them with the activity below.
RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.