Final - Beat Movement • Counterculture • Watergate • Ronald Reagan • Culture Wars

Beat Movement

This movement was a post-WWII literary and cultural phenomenon led by Jack Kerouac. This movement challanged gender roles, social morality, as well as consumerism.

Counterculture

The spirit of the beat movement expanded into the 1960s through counterculture, where many young americans rejected mainstream values, opposed th war in vietnamn, experimented with drugs, and embraced new forms of music and spirituality

Watergate

Disrust in authority in the United States grew stronger after the Watergate scandal when Richard Nixon and his administration were found guilty of corruption and abuse of power. 5 men involved in Creep broke into the watergate hotel and were caught bugging phones of members of teh Democratic Party. At first no one thought an7thing of teh situation, but as information was being leaked, Nixon became parinoid and funneled hush money to the men involved. FBI ultimatley began an investigation and Nixon decided to step dwn instead of being forced out of office for his illegal activities.

Ronal Regean

This crisis contributed to a national desire for stability and moral order within the country, which helped Ronal Regean rise to power by promoting conservative family values, military strength, and limited government. He served as the 40th president and was loved for his strong stance against the Soviet Union, leading to their ultimate end.

Culture Wars

The culture wars emerged soon after as Americans fought over issues of abortion, civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights within the US. This was a period where conservatives were extremely worried that popular media was encourgaing bad behavior and there was not enough censorship.

Conclusion

These events are connected by their shared role in transforming American identity and creating deep political and cultural divisions. Cultural rebellion, government scandal, and conservative backlash combined to permanently reshape American politics and debates over values that continue today.