Flashcard #1
Term: Smoke-In at Grand Central Terminal
Definition: This was a pivotal public demonstration organized by the Youth International Party (YIP) during the late 1960s, intended to protest the criminalization of marijuana. The event was theatrical in nature, with participants publicly smoking marijuana at a prominent location—Grand Central Terminal—to provoke dialogue about drug policy and to challenge the societal norms that stigmatized drug use.
Flashcard #2
Term: Support for Columbia University Protests
Definition: Amidst the protests held from April 3 to 10, 1968, members of the Youth International Party (YIP) actively supported students who were demonstrating against Columbia University’s involvement in research linked to the Vietnam War and its expansion into Harlem. This protest underscored the university's connections to the military-industrial complex and questioned the societal implications of those ties, spotlighting the need for institutional accountability.
Flashcard #3
Term: DNC Protest (Chicago)
Definition: Occurring during the Democratic National Convention from August 23 to 29, 1968, this massive anti-war protest was marked by YIP members staging a symbolic act by nominating a pig, Pigasus, as a presidential candidate. This act not only captured the political absurdity of the situation but also resulted in violent encounters with police, underscoring the intense confrontations characteristic of 1960s protest movements.
Flashcard #4
Term: The Chicago Seven Trial
Definition: This highly publicized trial, running from September 24, 1969, to February 18, 1970, involved notable figures including Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, who faced charges of conspiracy and inciting riots during the tumultuous 1968 DNC protests. The defendants ingeniously utilized humor, media coverage, and performance art within the courtroom, transforming the trial into a larger critique of free speech, governmental power, and civil rights.
Flashcard #5
Term: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam
Definition: On November 15, 1969, an expansive coalition comprising both mainstream citizens and countercultural activists participated in one of the largest national anti-war demonstrations in Washington, D.C. Organized by YIP members, this event served as a unifying call for the cessation of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, representing a significant collective expression of discontent.
Flashcard #6
Term: Abbie Hoffman
Definition: As a founder of the Youth International Party (YIP), Abbie Hoffman emerged as a prominent figure in the 1960s counterculture movement, renowned for his artistic protest strategies that combined provocation and humor. He famously penned 'Steal This Book,' which advocated for grassroots social change through civil disobedience and innovative activism, seeking to challenge and reshape societal norms.
Flashcard #7
Term: Jerry Rubin
Definition: Co-founder of YIP, Jerry Rubin was a key driver in the use of 'guerrilla theater' and humorous pranks to convey his anti-establishment messages. Over the years, his focus evolved towards self-improvement movements, indicating a broader quest for personal growth that aligned with societal transformation.
Flashcard #8
Term: Paul Krassner
Definition: A political satirist and co-founder of YIP, Paul Krassner gained prominence through his editorial work in the radical magazine 'The Realist,' which was known for its biting satire and critical commentary on political and social issues, challenging the prevailing political landscape of the time.
Flashcard #9
Term: Slogan Origination (VVAW)
Definition: On April 15, 1967, a small contingent of veterans marched through New York City carrying a banner that proclaimed 'Vietnam Veterans Against the War.' This demonstration was pivotal, igniting the formal establishment of the organization and lending a veteran's voice to the growing anti-war sentiment across the country.
Flashcard #10
Term: First Meeting (VVAW)
Definition: Held on June 1, 1967, this foundational meeting brought together six key veterans, including Jan Barry and Ron Kovic, in an apartment setting to formally establish the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW). This initiative arose in direct response to the pro-war narratives perpetuated in the mainstream media.
Flashcard #11
Term: Operation RAW
Definition: From September 4 to 7, 1970, around 200 veterans marched through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, mimicking the brutal search-and-destroy tactics utilized in Vietnam. This march aimed to raise public consciousness about the inhumane realities of the Vietnam War and its devastating impact on both soldiers and civilians.
Flashcard #12
Term: Winter Soldier Investigation
Definition: A series of groundbreaking hearings sponsored by VVAW in 1971 where veterans disclosed harrowing testimonies about war crimes and atrocities committed during the Vietnam War, including the mistreatment of prisoners of war and civilian casualties. The revealing accounts stirred controversy yet were instrumental in fostering anti-war sentiment.
Flashcard #13
Term: Operation POW
Definition: From May 28 to 31, 1971, veterans staged a Memorial Day march in Massachusetts symbolizing American soldiers' imprisonment in Vietnam. The demonstrators utilized imagery from the Revolutionary War to emphasize the stark contrast between American ideals and the harsh realities faced during the Vietnam conflict.
Flashcard #14
Term: Dewey Canyon III Protest
Definition: In a bold statement against the Vietnam War in 1971, veterans symbolically returned their military medals on the steps of the Capitol. This dramatic act garnered extensive media coverage and highlighted the profound dissent among those who had served in the armed forces.
Flashcard #15
Term: Ron Kovic
Definition: A former U.S. Marine paralyzed during the Vietnam War, Ron Kovic gained recognition through his book 'Born on the Fourth of July,' which chronicles his personal experiences as a soldier and his subsequent transformation into a fervent anti-war advocate, establishing him as a leading voice in the anti-war movement.
Flashcard #16
Term: Jan Barry Crumb
Definition: Co-founder of VVAW, Jan Barry was an Army veteran who, disillusioned by his experiences, became a vital organizer in the anti-war movement. He also expressed the sentiments and struggles of returning soldiers through his poetry.
Flashcard #17
Term: Carl Douglas Rogers
Definition: As a co-founder of VVAW who served as a chaplain’s assistant during the Vietnam War, Carl Douglas Rogers dedicated his efforts to social justice, focusing on the effects of military service on soldiers and society, advocating for veterans' rights and well-being.
Flashcard #18
Term: Steve Greene
Definition: An early member of VVAW, Steve Greene engaged in grassroots initiatives and provided poignant testimonies that illuminated the grim realities faced by veterans returning from the Vietnam conflict, contributing to a broader understanding of the war's impact.
Flashcard #19
Term: Greensboro Sit-Ins
Definition: Initiated in February 1960, these sit-ins ignited a significant movement across the Southern United States, ultimately leading to the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) at Shaw University in April 1960, which played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights through direct action.
Flashcard #20
Term: Freedom Rides
Definition: In 1961, members of SNCC participated in integrated bus trips through the South alongside the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), challenging and directly confronting segregation laws in interstate travel, while risking violent backlash to advocate for desegregation.
Flashcard #21
Term: Voter Registration Drives
Definition: From 1961 to 1964, SNCC activists tirelessly sought to register Black voters in the Deep South, facing significant risks, including arrests and violence. Their relentless efforts laid the groundwork for the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, showcasing the importance of political participation.
Flashcard #22
Term: Freedom Summer
Definition: In 1964, SNCC organized a massive voter registration campaign in Mississippi aimed at combating systemic racism and voter disenfranchisement. This initiative attracted national support and highlighted the urgent struggles faced by African Americans in the region, bringing the civil rights issue into the national spotlight.
Flashcard #23
Term: Black Power Shift
Definition: Under the leadership of Stokely Carmichael (later known as Kwame Ture) in 1966, SNCC began to shift its focus to emphasize Black self-determination and pride, signifying a transition from nonviolent integration strategies to a stronger emphasis on empowerment, cultural identity, and solidarity within the African American community.
Flashcard #24
Term: John Lewis
Definition: A prominent figure in the civil rights movement, John Lewis was instrumental in organizing early sit-ins and participated in the Freedom Rides. His advocacy reached a wider audience when he spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, later serving as a U.S. Congressman and continuing his work for civil rights.
Flashcard #25
Term: Diane Nash
Definition: As a leading activist in the Nashville Sit-Ins and Freedom Rides, Diane Nash was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest and her exceptional ability to mobilize support for civil rights initiatives, becoming a key figure in the movement.
Flashcard #26
Term: Ella Baker
Definition: Revered as SNCC's 'spiritual mother,' Ella Baker was a profound advocate for grassroots leadership within the civil rights movement, emphasizing the need to amplify young activists' voices and foresaw the importance of collective action.
Flashcard #27
Term: Stokely Carmichael
Definition: Assuming the position of chairman of SNCC in 1966, Stokely Carmichael popularized the term 'Black Power,' transforming it into a rallying cry for those advocating for Black self-determination and empowering movements against systemic racism.
Flashcard #28
Term: Bob Moses
Definition: As a central figure in the civil rights movement, Bob Moses was a significant organizer of Freedom Summer. He championed grassroots leadership and empowerment among African Americans, advocating for meaningful change in civil rights.
Flashcard #29
Term: Occupation of Alcatraz
Definition: From 1969 to 1971, a coalition of activists, including members of the American Indian Movement (AIM), occupied Alcatraz Island, claiming it based on the Treaty of Fort Laramie. This occupation raised substantial national awareness regarding Native American rights and their ongoing struggles.
Flashcard #30
Term: Trail of Broken Treaties
Definition: In 1972, this activist-led caravan crossed the country and culminated in a protest in Washington, D.C., where activists occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs' offices, demanding that the federal government uphold treaty rights and implement meaningful policy reforms.
Flashcard #31
Term: Occupation of Wounded Knee
Definition: In 1973, AIM activists occupied Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge Reservation, protesting against government corruption and the failure to uphold treaty agreements. This occupation led to a prolonged armed standoff lasting 71 days and garnered widespread attention.
Flashcard #32
Term: Dennis Banks
Definition: Co-founder of AIM, Dennis Banks played a critical leadership role during the Wounded Knee occupation and actively worked towards preserving Native American culture through various advocacy efforts.
Flashcard #33
Term: Clyde Bellecourt
Definition: A prominent co-founder of AIM, Clyde Bellecourt was instrumental in organizing protests such as the Trail of Broken Treaties and the occupation of Wounded Knee, demonstrating a relentless commitment to social services for Native communities.
Flashcard #34
Term: George Mitchell
Definition: Co-founder of AIM, George Mitchell was dedicated to addressing urban issues faced by Native Americans, including housing shortages and unemployment, and took a significant role in organizing protests related to these issues.
Flashcard #35
Term: Russell Means
Definition: Serving as a prominent national director of AIM, Russell Means became an articulate spokesperson for Native American rights and was actively involved in major protests, including those at Alcatraz and Wounded Knee.
Flashcard #36
Term: Huey P. Newton
Definition: As the co-founder and Minister of Defense of the Black Panther Party, Huey P. Newton was a central figure in formulating the Party's 10-Point Program, which advocated for essential Black rights, community empowerment, and self-defense against oppression.
Flashcard #37
Term: Bobby Seale
Definition: Co-founder and Chairman of the Black Panther Party, Bobby Seale was a pivotal figure in its establishment and became one of the defendants in the highly publicized Chicago Eight/Seven trial, highlighting the tensions between the party and law enforcement.
Flashcard #38
Term: Eldridge Cleaver
Definition: Served as the Minister of Information for the Black Panther Party, Eldridge Cleaver is best known for his influential book 'Soul on Ice,' which presents a critical examination of race and justice in American society.
Flashcard #39
Term: Fred Hampton
Definition: As the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, Fred Hampton spearheaded the creation of the 'Rainbow Coalition,' a multi-racial alliance dedicated to social justice. His life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated during a police raid in 1969, solidifying his legacy as a martyr for the movement.
Flashcard #40
Term: Delano Grape Strike
Definition: This pivotal labor strike, which endured from 1965 to 1970, was initiated by Filipino farmworkers, led by Larry Itliong, and subsequently joined by César Chávez’s United Farm Workers. The strike sought to secure improved working conditions and wages for farm laborers, culminating in the signing of union contracts and marking a significant labor victory.
Flashcard #41
Term: California Agricultural Labor Relations Act
Definition: Passed in 1975, this landmark act granted collective bargaining rights to farmworkers, representing a direct outcome of the activism spearheaded by the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement and signifying a major milestone in labor rights history.
Flashcard #42
Term: Health & Welfare Initiatives (UFW)
Definition: The UFW initiated important programs such as the Robert F. Kennedy Medical Plan (1969) and the Juan de la Cruz Pension Plan, along with the establishment of a Credit Union, aiming to enhance the living standards and overall welfare of farmworkers.
Flashcard #43
Term: César Chávez
Definition: As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers and a prominent labor leader, César Chávez was known for his commitment to nonviolent resistance and effectively organized strikes to improve conditions for farm laborers, advocating tirelessly for their rights.
Flashcard #44
Term: Dolores Huerta
Definition: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Dolores Huerta was key in negotiating labor contracts with farm growers. She is widely recognized for coining the phrase 'Sí, se puede,' which became a rallying cry for labor rights advocacy.
Flashcard #45
Term: Larry Itliong
Definition: A significant Filipino American labor organizer, Larry Itliong played a crucial role in launching the Delano Grape Strike, advocating for the rights and dignity of immigrant laborers and highlighting their contributions.
Flashcard #46
Term: Ben Gines
Definition: A Filipino labor leader associated with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), Ben Gines was noted for his substantial efforts in labor organizing and activism aimed at improving workers' conditions.
Flashcard #47
Term: Publication of The Feminine Mystique
Definition: Released in 1963 by Betty Friedan, 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged conventional societal expectations of women, igniting the second wave of feminism by promoting the notion of women seeking rights and opportunities beyond traditional domestic roles.
Flashcard #48
Term: NOW Bill of Rights
Definition: Adopted between 1967 and 1968, this set of demands emerged from the National Organization for Women (NOW) and championed gender equality, encompassing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), equal employment rights, and maternity benefits, mirroring the increasing feminist movement.
Flashcard #49
Term: Miss America Pageant Protest
Definition: In 1968, feminists protested against oppressive beauty standards and gender discrimination during the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, symbolically discarding items representing women's subjugation into a 'Freedom Trash Can' to highlight their struggle.
Flashcard #50
Term: Push for the ERA
Definition: In the 1970s, Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in 1972, which sought to ensure equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Although it garnered substantial public support, the amendment ultimately failed to achieve ratification by the necessary number of states by the 1982 deadline.
Flashcard #51
Term: March for Women’s Lives
Definition: This series of large-scale rallies in Washington, D.C., which included notable events in 1989, 1992, and 2004, aimed at advocating reproductive rights, emphasizing the ongoing challenges that women continue to confront in their pursuit of equality.
Flashcard #52
Term: Continued Advocacy
Definition: The National Organization for Women (NOW) has remained engaged in various social justice efforts, notably pushing for the Violence Against Women Act (1994) and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009), while continuously advocating for reproductive rights and equal pay.
Flashcard #53
Term: Betty Friedan
Definition: As the author of 'The Feminine Mystique' and the first president of NOW, Betty Friedan played a vital role in catalyzing the second wave of feminism by articulating women's dissatisfaction with prevailing societal expectations and advocating for their rights.
Flashcard #54
Term: Pauli Murray
Definition: A co-founder of NOW, Pauli Murray was a pioneering civil rights attorney known for coining the term 'Jane Crow' to describe the double discrimination faced by women of color, advocating for their rights and visibility in the movement.
Flashcard #55
Term: Aileen Hernandez
Definition: Serving as the second president of NOW, Aileen Hernandez made history as the first woman to hold a position on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), advocating for workplace equality and equity.
Flashcard #56
Term: Gloria Steinem
Definition: Founder of Ms. Magazine and an influential figure in the second-wave feminist movement, Gloria Steinem campaigned for issues such as reproductive rights and achieved significant progress in advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment.
Flashcard #57
Term: Shirley Chisholm
Definition: As a founding member of NOW and the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968, Shirley Chisholm valiantly fought for civil rights and women’s representation, making history with her presidential run in 1972.
Flashcard #58
Term: Phyllis Schlafly (Opponent)
Definition: As a conservative activist, Phyllis Schlafly spearheaded the 'STOP ERA' campaign, opposing the Equal Rights Amendment, arguing that it posed a threat to traditional gender roles and women's rights.