Notes on Social, Political, and Economic Shifts in the Late 20th Century America

Social and Political Context

Irta Steinan, Ca Sistertroll, Letty Pagrobte, and Withru Sex Fales are mentioned, possibly as figures or references relevant to the period.
\"Ms.\" magazine is referenced, indicating the rise of feminist voices and publications.
Mentions of \"The Main Man,\" \"The Food Srine,\" and Thoty Alamand may allude to cultural or social elements of the time.
References to Jane O'Reilly and \"The Housewife's Moment of Truth\" suggest discussions around women's roles.
The phrase \"From Stagflation to the Reagan Revolution\" sets the stage for a period of economic and political change.
McDonald's is mentioned, possibly as a symbol of American culture and consumerism.
The Ohio Historical Society is noted, suggesting a focus on preserving and examining the past.
References to \"Excridge Shopping Cons,\" \"Reagan,\" and \"Bush in 80\" allude to political figures and events.
The slogans \"Again\" and \"Let's Make America Great Again\" indicate a desire for change and a nostalgic view of the past.

\"The Feminine Mystique\" by Betty Friedan is highlighted as a controversial bestseller, addressing issues faced by American women.
The Black Panther Party is mentioned, representing the fight for civil rights and social justice.
References to \"Gay Liberation\" and Harvey Milk indicate the emergence of LGBTQ+ rights movements.
\"Chicano Power\" and \"Viva La Raza\" signify the growing influence and activism of the Chicano movement.
Mentions of \"Free Breakfast for Children\" and \"Head Start\" highlight social programs aimed at addressing poverty and inequality.
The \"March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom\" is referenced, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Steel production figures are provided for 1948 and 1977, comparing the US, Japan, and other countries (F/G/B, likely France, Germany, and Britain):
- US: 92 million tons (1948) to 133 million tons (1977)
- Japan: 4 million tons (1948) to 120 million tons (1977)
- F/G/B: 54 million tons (1948) to 152 million tons (1977)
Approximately 35 million U.S. jobs were lost in the 1970s due to disinvestment and automation in American business.

The \"Keglined\" feature of American Can Company beer cans is mentioned.
American Can Co. transforms into Primerica, a financial services company, illustrating a shift in the economic landscape.

GNP growth declined from 4% (1960-1973) to 1.8% (1973-1982).
Unemployment rose from 4.8% in 1973 to 8.3% in 1975.
Double-digit inflation occurred at the decade’s end, averaging 8.8% for the decade.
The \"oil shock\" involved a rapid increase in oil prices and gas shortages.
Average worker’s after-tax pay declined for the first time since the 1940s; in 1979, it was 6% below its 1972 level.
The U.S.’s dominant position in world trade and output declined. The U.S. had the highest GDP per capita in 1950, 1960, and 1970, but by 1980, it ranked 11th.

A large list of acronyms is provided, referencing various New Deal programs and agencies: FPC, FSLIC, AAA, NRA, TRLP, TVA, RFC, FDIC, SSA, FHLBB, HOLC, WPA, CCC, RTC, FNMA, FERA, PWA, CRT, NYA, CWA, SEC, FWA, FSA, NLRB, RA, FCC, CAB, FCA, UHSA, URA, FCC, MLB, PRRA, DRS, NFL, BPA, HRS, FWP, NRB, FTP, NFMA, FMP, ABC.

The emergence of the \"new right\" is contrasted with the \"New Deal coalition\" (1930s-1960s).
Partisanship is redefined around \"big government\" vs. \"small government\" and issues related to minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals vs. \"traditional values.\"
The 1964 election is mentioned, with Barry Goldwater and George Wallace campaigning against \"big government\" and crime.
Nixon's victory in 1968 is attributed to his \"tough on crime\" stance and promise to reduce government involvement.
Phyllis Schlafly and Anita Bryant are identified as key figures in the conservative movement.

Phyllis Schlafly led the STOP ERA movement.
Evangelical and fundamentalist Christian communities formed supportive organizations, such as Happiness of Motherhood Eternal (HOME), Mississippians for God, Family and Country, and Women Who Want to be Women.
Marabel Morgan's \"The Total Woman\" (1973) advocated for women surrendering to and serving their husbands.

Anita Bryant’s \"Save Our Children\" campaign in Dade County, Florida, successfully overturned a county civil rights bill protecting LGBTQ+ people.
Bryant celebrated the victory by stating that Miamians had voted to \"repeal an obnoxious assault on our moral values.\"
The John Briggs initiative (San Francisco) to forbid employment of LGBTQ+ teachers failed but led to significant protest and violence, including the assassination of San Francisco’s mayor and Harvey Milk.

Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg (1971) mandated school busing plans to integrate metropolitan school districts.
Whites nationwide overwhelmingly opposed busing: approximately 75% in the North and Midwest and about 80% in Southern states.
White resistance included leaving public school systems, fleeing integrated districts, working to avoid court mandates, and rioting, exemplified by the ROAR movement in Boston.

Carter won the 1976 election with only 50% of the vote, lacking a clear mandate; he received less than half of the white vote.
His record in office on civil rights enforcement was mixed, with little political support for expanding the federal role in protecting the rights and opportunities of women and racial/ethnic minorities.
Carter accelerated de-industrialization through deregulation (1978 cut in capital gains tax), monetary policy, and regressive reform of Social Security tax.
Carter delivered the \"Malaise\" speech.

Jimmy Carter’s \"Energy and National Goals\" speech (July 15, 1979) criticized the worship of self-indulgence and consumption.
Carter stated that human identity was no longer defined by what one does but by what one owns, and that owning and consuming things does not satisfy the longing for meaning.

Advertisements from the era promote General Electric refrigerators with increased storage space, Pepsodent toothpaste promising whiter teeth, and Admiral color TVs with a 3-year warranty.
Advertisements also showcase the Levittown suburban homes and the 1975 Caprice Classic, emphasizing luxury and efficiency.

Ronald Reagan hosted the General Electric Theater on television.
Advertisements feature Van Heusen Century shirts and promote \"Live Better Electrically\" Medallion homes.

1980: Reagan defeated Carter by 10% of the popular vote, with a significant electoral victory (489 to 49); Republicans regained control of the Senate for the first time since 1955.
1984: Reagan won every state except Minnesota and D.C.
A seismic shift in American electoral politics is noted:
- 1988: Bush (Sr.) defeated Dukakis.
- 1992: Clinton won without a clear mandate.
- 1994: Gingrich and Republicans retook the House of Representatives.