Unit 7 Social Transformations in the United States (1945 - Present)

postwar prosperity

public demand for goods and services contributed to unprecedented economic growth following World War II

suburb

residential areas surrounding a city, such as Levittowns built after WW2

Sunbelt

southern and southwestern region of the U.S. experienced growth from economic opportunities in defense and high-tech industries

baby boom

historically high birthrate years in the United States from 1946 to 1964 resulting after soldiers returned home from WW2

Brown v. Board of Education

Overruled Plessy v. Ferguson, declared that racially segregated facilities are inherently unequal and ordered all public schools desegregated.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

organization founded in 1909 to promote civil rights for African Americans

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

civil rights organization founded in 1957 by Martin Luther King Jr. to fight against segregation using nonviolent means

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

civil rights organization founded in 1960 to coordinate and publicize sit-ins

United Farm Workers of America (UFW)

labor organization formed in 1962 by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to improve the conditions of migrant workers

American Indian Movement (AIM)

organization founded in 1968 to improve conditions on reservations, protect land rights and improve opportunities in education and employment for Native Americans

National Organization for Women(NOW)

women's rights organization founded in 1966 to bring women into full participation and equality in American society

Rust Belt

northeastern and midwestern states of US in which heavy industry has declined

Feminism

the belief that women should possess the same political and economic rights as men

The Great Society

a domestic program in the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson that instituted federally sponsored social welfare programs.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

Voting Rights Act of 1965

a policy designed to reduce the barriers to voting for those suffering discrimination.

Stonewall Uprising

Triggered activist protests among the gay community and began the gay pride movement

Rock and Roll

music that grew out of rhythm and blues and that became popular in the 1950s

Immigration Act of 1965

Replaced the quota sytem of immigration with a system based on merit and familial connections

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Established under Nixon, this an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment