Environmentalism and Social Movements

Environmentalism

  • Definition: Environmentalism is a social and political movement aimed at protecting the environment from pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

  • Key Figure: Rachel Carson wrote "Silent Spring", highlighting concerns about environmental pollution and its threats to wildlife, particularly birds. This book raised public awareness about environmental issues.

  • Major Events:

    • Santa Barbara oil spill

    • Cuyahoga River catching fire

Civil Rights Movement

  • Timeline Shift: By the mid-1960s, the Civil Rights Movement shifted its focus from desegregation and equality to economic opportunities for African Americans.

  • Methods:

    • Boycotts, sit-ins, and marches were prominent non-violent protest methods to raise awareness and gather public support.

    • Major figures included MLK (supported non-violent methods) and Malcolm X (more radical approach).

  • Legislation:

    • Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibited discrimination based on race and gender in public places and employment.

    • Voting Rights Act of 1965: Ensured African Americans could not be denied the right to vote.

  • Goals of the Movement: Focus on economic justice, housing, job opportunities, wages, and Black Power emphasizing racial pride.

Suburbanization

  • Definition: Suburbs are residential areas situated on the outskirts of cities, experiencing significant growth after World War II.

  • Factors Influencing Growth:

    • GI Bill, post-war baby boom, expansion of highways, and economic prosperity.

    • The desire for a traditional family life led many white middle-class families to move to suburbs, while African Americans often remained in urban ghettos due to "white flight."

  • Levitt & Sons: The first major construction company that exemplified suburban development, notably building Levittown in NY in 1947.

Chicano-Latino Movement

  • Goals:

    • To achieve educational opportunities, labor rights, and end discrimination against Latinos.

    • Methods mirrored those of the Civil Rights Movement, using non-violent protests, boycotts, and walkouts.

Cold War Context

  • Containment Policy: Aimed to prevent the spread of communism worldwide. This policy shaped both domestic and foreign strategies, notably the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan.

  • Domino Effect: The theory that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries would likely follow.

  • Key Events:

    • The Cold War intensified during the Cuban Missile Crisis when the U.S. and Soviet Union came close to nuclear conflict as the Soviets installed missiles in Cuba.

  • Hot Wars: Included U.S. military involvement in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, aimed at preventing the spread of communism.