Chapter 30: Political and Social Change in the 1960s and 1970s

Chapter 30

1) What were identity politics and do you think these exist today?  If so, please provide an example?

It is possible to define identity politics as a variation of political action on the basis of such similarities as race, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. The movements were active in the 1960s and 1970s when the marginalized groups demanded their rights, representation which included a lack of discrimination. It is undeniable that in the contemporary world, the identity politics is a reality since diverse groups continue to speak in support of their personal recognition and equality (Corbett et al. 2014, p.821). A clear-cut case study is the #Black Lives Matter movement that gained prominence in the reaction against the police brutality towards the black people in America. It gathers and reunites the supporters of different race and identity to request reforms in the policing, criminal justice, and social justice that identity-based political struggle is not completely out of force.

 2) Briefly describe the American Indian Movement (AIM).

American Indian Movement (AIM) was formed in 1968 in Minneapolis to address the historical injustices of the Native Americans. They endured police harassment, broken treaties and erasure of their culture. The activists of the AIM were worried about the principle of sovereignty, preservation of the Native traditions, and the reconstruction of the federal policies impacting the Native communities negatively (Corbett et al. 2014, p.824). To seek attention of the entire country to the Indian issues, the organization held massive protests such as trail of broken treaties which was held in 1972, and the Wounded Knee Occupation, which was held in 1973. The actions of the activist group of AIM helped in bringing to the broad popular opinion the issue of the rights of the Indigenous and the futility of the Indian policies pursued by the federal government.

3) How did the gay rights movement come about?

The present gays rights movement began in June 1969 after the Stonewall Riots in New York City where the LGBTQ+ protested against a police raid in the Stonewall Inn. This was a breakthrough because it brought more visibility, unification and political activity to LGBTQ+ population (Corbett et al. 2014, p.826). Following the riots, other organizations spent their time organizing movements for equality. Among them are the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance who wanted to enjoy equal rights, abolish discrimination, and struggle against the stigma attached to them. In the following year, pride marches started, which helped in transforming the campaign into a nationwide movement that was designed to ensure the legal rights and acceptance of the group and the personal freedom of people.

4) How were American women challenging the various glass ceilings in education and politics at this time?

In the 1970s and 1960s, American women broke stereotypical barriers in the field of education and politics and sought equality and opportunity which they did not have before. Women entered colleges, law schools and medical courses in great numbers forcing colleges to equalize them. Title IX was approved in 1972 and prohibited any sex discrimination in any education which had got any federal funds, increased the accessibility of all academics and athletics among both sexes, women (Corbett et al. 2014, p.819). Women became a part of the political life, becoming members of such organizations as National Organization of Women (NOW), or even carried out a political platform, and demanded such issues as reproductive rights and equal wage. These efforts also led to breaking down of stereotypes associated with women.

5) What factors lay behind Richard Nixon’s winning the presidency in 1968?

The1968 election is a blend of turmoil in the country, policing strategy and voter matters that saw Richard Nixon triumph in the election. The country was torn apart by the Vietnam War, widespread protests, the fight over racial relations, and riots within the city. Nixon organized the silent majority of the Americans who were seeking law and order (Corbett et al. 2014, p.826). The Democratic Party was undermined by internal conflicts, assassination of Robert Kennedy and even anarchy which was precipitated by the Democratic National Convention. Nixon also portrayed himself as a firm leader who was able to end the war peacefully and with honor. His coolness, order and mainstream politics message appealed to many voters.

6) How did the civil rights movement fare under the Nixon administration?

The Nixon administration has experienced both good and bad aspects in the civil rights movement. In the Southern Strategy, Nixon managed to slow down federal civil rights efforts aiming to lobby white Southern voters to his side in an effort to find political representation of anti-rapid desegregation voters. However, despite such a conservative statement, the administration still resulted in significant desegregation which took place in South school, leading to massive participation in integration (Corbett et al. 2014, p.826). Nixon was also a supporter of affirmative action on another ground which was anchored on the Philadelphia Plan but primarily political. Overall, the movement of civil rights continued, but was not pursued with such a passionate support of the federal government like previous regimes, and its course was influenced by the political factors.

7) What was the Nixon Doctrine?

Nixon Doctrine was proclaimed in 1969 and this became the new American foreign policy in the Cold War. It announced that it will continue to assist its ally regarding the economy and armed forces but would not deploy large numbers of American troops to go to war on their behalf. Instead, nations were to protect themselves and U.S facilitated them with assistance, training and enterprises (Corbett et al. 2014, p.834). This was the basis of Vietnamization that was geared towards pulling out the American soldiers in Vietnam and handing over the military burden to the South Vietnamese soldiers. It marked a great shift in the past intervention-based policies.

8) Was Nixon's decision to visit China a smart one?

In the year 1972, Nixon traveled to China, the visit was more or less viewed as an astute move and a highly strategic one. The United States and China had spent over 20 years with enmity to each other because of the tensions that were present during the cold war. This had isolated them during the Cold War period. Nixon improved communication and, in addition, reduced hostility between the countries, which occurred due to the development of diplomatic relations (Corbett et al. 2014, p.834). The visit also had a leverage on the power structure in the world by ensuring the U.S. had an equal power against the Soviet Union. Besides, it laid the groundwork of commercial and political cooperation. Such a gambit by Nixon was a masterpiece of diplomacy which had long term positive outcomes to the American foreign policy.

9) How did Nixon attempt to protect himself when asked to surrender his recordings of conversations in the Oval Office and why did this anger so many Americans?

In the Watergate scandal, President Nixon struggled to have the privilege of exonerating himself by claiming executive privilege when investigators demanded to release the Oval Office tapes claiming that such a move would violate the confidentiality of the presidency. He did not provide the tape instead providing transcripts of his tape and this gave him the suspicion that he was hiding a bad thing (Corbett et al. 2014, p.845). This infuriated Americans because it appeared to be dubious, and it brought thoughts of Nixon misusing his authority to obstruct justice. The greatest number of people felt that the president was above the law and this was only causing more mistrust to the government by the people and this added with the national frustrations resulted in his resignation.

10) Why did Jimmy Carter win the Election of 1976?

The integrity and reformation is what made Jimmy Carter win the 1976 presidential vote by the Americans since the Americans at that time required honesty and reform after the Watergate scandal after several years of political mistrust. Carter was an unknown governor in Georgia and he was trying to present himself as a man with no connection to Washington. His ethical leadership message, humility and ethical integrity caught the attention of the electorate that desired a new authoritative figure (Corbett et al. 2014, p.845). The citizens were also ready for a change when it came to economic problems like inflation and unemployment. The Southern orientation which Carter employed was a successful element in his popularity across the board and his emphasis on human rights and transparency was simply an addition to disparity with the traditional political leadership.

References:

Corbett, P. S., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T., Waskiewicz, S., & Vickery, P. (2024). US history.