Lecture 3

Introduction to the New Left

• Definition & Context: The New Left refers to a political and cultural movement among youth in the 1960s, emerging from the Baby Boomer generation.

• Baby Boomer Impact: College enrollment soared, reaching 10 million, leading to greater independence among students.

  • Shift away from strict controls by administration, including curfews and segregation in dorms.

Abolishing In Loco Parentis

• Definition: The doctrine of in loco parentis treated students as minors needing guidance and control.

• Changes Introduced: Students gained freedoms such as co-ed dorms and public demonstrations as they resisted administrative controls.

• Cultural and Political Engagement: Emergence of uncensored newspapers and political activism on campus.

Cultural Exploration and Political Movement

• Cultural Rebellion vs. Cultural Exploration: Youth's actions seen as rebellion, but better defined as cultural exploration amidst active political engagement.

• Influence of the Civil Rights Movement: Many young college students were inspired by leaders like John Lewis and organizations such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

• The New Left's Political Agenda: Addressing issues of poverty, racism, and militarism through participatory democracy.

The Port Huron Statement

• Creation of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS): Founded to address the political concerns of the youth.

  • Drafted in 1962 by activist Tom Hayden.

• Key Message: Youth expressed the urgency to challenge societal issues around human degradation and Cold War fears.

• Notable Excerpt: "We are people of this generation, bred in at least modest comfort..." highlighting a moral responsibility towards societal change.

The Free Speech Movement at Berkeley

• Initial Protest: In 1964, the University of California, Berkeley, students protested restrictions on free speech, particularly on political advocacy.

• Mario Savio's Leadership: A pivotal figure who famously articulated the frustrations of students facing oppression: "... you've got to indicate that unless you're free, the machines will be prevented from working at all."

• Impact: The Free Speech Movement became emblematic of student activism connected to the broader civil rights movement.

Connection to Civil Rights Movement

• Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education: The 1954 Supreme Court decision aimed to desegregate schools, yet faced delayed implementation and significant resistance.

• Emergence of the Civil Rights Movement: Grassroots organizing led by figures like Rosa Parks became crucial in challenging systemic racism.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

• Event Trigger: Initiated by Rosa Parks' arrest on December 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat.

• Significance of the Boycott: Lasted over a year, demonstrating collective economic power against institutional racism.

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s Rise: King emerged as a leader advocating nonviolent protests during the boycott.

  • Emphasized dignity and moral high ground in the face of oppression.

Continued Struggles Against Segregation

• Violence Against Activists: The brutality faced by civil rights activists highlighted the societal injustices in American society.

• Federal Response: Eisenhower's and later Kennedy's hesitant engagement with civil rights issues reflected political complexities.

  • Kennedy proposed a civil rights bill which ultimately fell short of the activists' demands.

Nonviolent Tactics and New Movements

• Sit-ins: Nonviolent protests began in February 1960 at lunch counters, showcasing young activists’ determination to challenge segregation.

• Freedom Rides: Initiated by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1961 to desegregate interstate travel, met with violent backlash.

• Evolving Strategies: Protesters adopted increasingly sophisticated tactics to combat systemic racism and promote awareness of their struggles.

Conclusion

• Significant Developments: The activism of the 1960s emerged from a confluence of youth dissatisfaction, civil rights struggles, and broader social upheaval.

• Continuity of Movements: Throughout the 1960s, various social movements intersected, including the women's liberation movement, anti-war protests, and others.

• Reflections on Struggle: Activism of the era pushed boundaries and challenged status quo assumptions about race, government authority, and youth rights.