1960s The Stormy Sixties 1960s Changes during the

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1960’s The Stormy Sixties

1960’s The Stormy Sixties

1960’s Ø Changes during the 60’s: l l l Sexual revolution Civil rights revolution

1960’s Ø Changes during the 60’s: l l l Sexual revolution Civil rights revolution Emergence of the “youth culture” War in Vietnam Beginnings of the Feminist revolution Changes in government and society with Johnson’s Great Society program

Kennedy Ø Kennedy was youngest president ever elected. Assembled a young cabinet also l

Kennedy Ø Kennedy was youngest president ever elected. Assembled a young cabinet also l Attorney General • Chose his brother Robert Kennedy • Wanted FBI to also focus on organized crime and civil rights infractions, which Hoover resisted l Defense Department • Robert Mc. Namara, who was president of Ford before l Kennedy chose the brightest and best to put around them, and many of them from Harvard. Kennedy famously asked his countrymen: ask not what your country can do for you: ask what you can do for your country. ” Ø Establishes Peace Corps to increase American presence and prestige in underdeveloped countries Ø

Kennedy and Congress Despite Democratic majorities in Congress, the New Frontier stalled there due

Kennedy and Congress Despite Democratic majorities in Congress, the New Frontier stalled there due to Republicans and Southern Democrats, especially programs like Medicaid and federal aid for education Ø New Frontier policies Ø l l l Steel problem lead to attacks from Big Business on the New Frontier Kennedy helped curtail these fears but supporting a tax-cut bill, with goal of getting more money to citizens hands to spend. Kennedy also asked for appropriations to increase expenditures on NASA and to land an American on the moon, which they do in 1969.

Kennedy and the Cold War Ø Khrushchev and Kennedy met in Vienna in 1961:

Kennedy and the Cold War Ø Khrushchev and Kennedy met in Vienna in 1961: l l Khrushchev tried to bully the young president by threatening to cut off access to Berlin and to make a treaty with east Germany, but Kennedy would not budge or be bullied But in August 1961, the Soviets started to build the Berlin Wall, separating east and West Berlin. Mostly to stop the flow of East Berliners from escaping to the West.

Kennedy and Europe Ø Europe recovered miraculously after the Marshall Plan and from the

Kennedy and Europe Ø Europe recovered miraculously after the Marshall Plan and from the growth of the Common Market, free trade area that evolved to the European Union l Kennedy secured Trade Expansion Act of 1962 • Tariff cuts by 50 percent to promote trade within the Common market • Eventually leads to significant expansion of American and European trade Ø But Charles De Gaulle stood in the way of further cooperation between America and Europe. l l l De Gaulle vetoed the idea of Britain being in the Common Market in 1963, fearing it was a Trojan horse. De Gaulle thought America was unreliable in a crisis, so he developed his own Atomic bomb In essence, De Gaulle did not want France or Europe dominated by USA.

Flexible Response Ø Laos presented an issue: l l Does America send troops in

Flexible Response Ø Laos presented an issue: l l Does America send troops in masse to deter the spread of communism and invoke Eisenhower’s and Dulles policy of massive retaliation? Or… Do you seek a diplomatic answer because it was too small of a situation to risk a nuclear conflagration? So USA was forced between humiliation or nuclear incineration due to Eisenhower’s policy. Ø Mc. Namara pushed the idea of Flexible response: Ø l Developing an array of military options to match the crisis at hand

Vietnam and Flexible Response Ø Diem and his family posed a huge problem for

Vietnam and Flexible Response Ø Diem and his family posed a huge problem for the US l l Diem was a tyrant and a right-wing ruler. Many in South Vietnam wanted him out. Ø The policy of flexible response meant that the US might have a continual build up of military in Vietnam as the situation escalated.

Background to the War z France controlled “Indochina” since the late 19 th century

Background to the War z France controlled “Indochina” since the late 19 th century z Japan took control during World War II z With U. S. aid, France attempted re-colonization in the postwar period

Background to the War z The French lost control to Ho Chi Minh’s Viet

Background to the War z The French lost control to Ho Chi Minh’s Viet Minh forces in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu z President Eisenhower declined to intervene on behalf of France.

Background to the War z International Conference at Geneva P Vietnam was divided at

Background to the War z International Conference at Geneva P Vietnam was divided at 17 th parallel O Ho Chi Minh’s nationalist forces controlled the North O Ngo Dinh Diem, a Frencheducated, Roman Catholic claimed control of the South

Background to the War z A date was set for democratic elections to reunify

Background to the War z A date was set for democratic elections to reunify Vietnam z Diem backed out of the elections, leading to military conflict between North and South

U. S. Military Involvement Begins z Repressive dictatorial rule by Diem P P z

U. S. Military Involvement Begins z Repressive dictatorial rule by Diem P P z Diem’s family holds all power Wealth is hoarded by the elite Buddhist majority persecuted Torture, lack of political freedom prevail The U. S. aided Diem’s government P P Ike sent financial and military aid 675 U. S. Army advisors sent by 1960.

Early Protests of Diem’s Government Self-Emolation by a Buddhist Monk

Early Protests of Diem’s Government Self-Emolation by a Buddhist Monk

U. S. Military Involvement Begins z z z Kennedy elected 1960 Increases military “advisors”

U. S. Military Involvement Begins z z z Kennedy elected 1960 Increases military “advisors” to 15, 000 1963: JFK supports a Vietnamese military coup d’etat – Diem and his brother are murdered (Nov. 2) Kennedy was assassinated just weeks later (Nov. 22) Ultimately, makes it harder to simply pull out of the war as the investment increases

Modernization Theory Ø Idea that traditional societies of Asia, Africa, and Latin America (3

Modernization Theory Ø Idea that traditional societies of Asia, Africa, and Latin America (3 rd World Countries) could develop into modern industrial and democratic nations by following the West’s own path. l Ø Walt Whitman Rostow championed and gave a guide book on how traditional societies can become mass consumption societies in his book The Stages of Economic Growth Importance is that the USA used this as the underlying principal to their aggressive foreign policy of the Cold War period.

Cuba, Bay of Pigs, and the Missile Crisis Ø http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Mh.

Cuba, Bay of Pigs, and the Missile Crisis Ø http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Mh. FBy Qp. Yvp 4&safety_mode=true&persist_safet y_mode=1&safe=active (Cuba Missile Crisis, documentary, 60 minutes long) Ø http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=PKOs 0 s Sxv. JY&list=PLxe. Xl. DDGUP 1 vr 7 Ew 6 l. Kt. D 1 r Zq. Mijd 8 jv. Z&index=2&safety_mode=true& persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active (Bay of Pigs Declassified, History Channel)

Civil Rights and Kennedy campaigned strongly to attract the black vote. Ø However, once

Civil Rights and Kennedy campaigned strongly to attract the black vote. Ø However, once in office, he moved slowly to actually sign any laws concerning civil rights. Ø Consequently, he received thousands of pens at the White house because he campaigned to end discrimination in housing with a stroke of the pen. Ø However, politics made him tread lightly. Mostly, he won by a small amount and had weak control of Congress. To get the Southern Democrats to support his economic and social legislation, he had to sit on Civil rights legislation. Ø

Freedom Riders Freedom rides were organized by supporters of Civil Rights to end segregation

Freedom Riders Freedom rides were organized by supporters of Civil Rights to end segregation in facilities serving interstate bus passengers. Ø But in Anniston Alabama, a bus was torched by a white mob. Ø A representative of Robert Kennedy was beaten severely in a Freedom Ride riot in Montgomery. Ø Southern officials proved unwilling and unable to stem the violence, so the federal government sent in federal marshals to protect the Freedom Riders. Ø

Civil Rights and Kennedy Consequently, Kennedy was now attached to the civil rights movement

Civil Rights and Kennedy Consequently, Kennedy was now attached to the civil rights movement as a result of the Freedom Riders. Ø RFK had Hoover wiretap King’s phone in 1963, due to the fact that some of his associates were Communists. Ø With help of RFK and financial backing from Kennedy-prodded private foundations, SNCC and other civil rights groups organized the Voter Education Project to register southern blacks. Ø

Civil Rights and Kennedy Ø Ole Miss l l James Meredith, a 29 year

Civil Rights and Kennedy Ø Ole Miss l l James Meredith, a 29 year old Air Force veteran attempted to enroll at Ole Miss in October 1962. He encountered violent opposition. Kennedy sent in 400 marshals and 3, 000 troops to enroll Meredith.

Birmingham, Alabama Most segregated city in America, blacks made up nearly half of total

Birmingham, Alabama Most segregated city in America, blacks made up nearly half of total population, but only 15 of total registered voters Ø Since 1957, 50 cross burnings occurred and 18 bomb attacks when people made attempts to eliminate racial barriers. Ø King organized protests, and the world was horrified at the police response: Ø l l Ø Attack dogs and cattle prods used to attack protestors High pressure water hoses also used on civil rights protestors. Some houses strong enough to knock bricks from a house or strip bark from a tree. Little children were even attacked. In response, Kennedy made a memorable speech and said the nation needs a solution to the moral issue of racism. Called for new legislation to protect black citizens

March on Washington In support of Kennedy's speech, King organized 200, 000 marchers (black

March on Washington In support of Kennedy's speech, King organized 200, 000 marchers (black and white) to the Lincoln Memorial, where he made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Ø However, violence continued. Ø l l Medgar Evers was shot and killed Sept 63, explosion at a Baptist Church in Birmingham killed four little girls

Kennedy Assassinated Ø November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was killed by Lee

Kennedy Assassinated Ø November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald (who was then killed by Jack Ruby) in Dallas, Texas. Ø Lyndon B. Johnson was inaugurated on an airplane on a flight to Washington, Ø Johnson pledged an easy transition and kept most of Kennedy's team in place and vowed to carry out his agenda.

LBJ Ø Ø Ø He hailed from West Texas. Was first sent to Washington

LBJ Ø Ø Ø He hailed from West Texas. Was first sent to Washington in 1937 as a 29 year old congressman. He looked up to FDR as his political mentor and supported many of the New Deal measures. But in 1941, LBJ lost a Senate race and learned that overtly liberal politics in West Texas do not get you elected, so he moved to the center. In 1948, he was elected to the Senate. In the Senate, he was known as a wheeler and dealer. Became Democratic Majority leader in 1954, and had enormous power in Washington. He was famous for the Johnson treatment-backslapping, hobnobbing, handshaking, pressing and arm-twisting to get his agendas passed.

LBJ As president, LBJ moved back to the left. Ø He pushed immediately, to

LBJ As president, LBJ moved back to the left. Ø He pushed immediately, to honor Kennedy, to have the Civil Rights Bill passed. He succeeded and it was passed in 1964. Ø

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Banned racial discrimination in most private faculties open to

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Banned racial discrimination in most private faculties open to the public Ø Strengthened Federal governments power to enforce desegregation Ø Created Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ø Also included was Title VII, which helped eliminate discrimination against women and supported gender equality. Ø In 1965, Johnson ordered federal contractors to take affirmative action against discrimination. Ø

LBJ Ø In addition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Johnson also: l

LBJ Ø In addition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Johnson also: l l l Rammed through Congress Kennedy's tax bill. Added proposals for his own billion dollar “War on Poverty”, especially in Appalachia. Johnson dubbed his domestic policy “Great Society” • Sweeping set of New Dealish economic and welfare measures aimed at transforming American life.

1964 election Ø Johnson obviously nominated by Democrats. Their platform was most liberal since

1964 election Ø Johnson obviously nominated by Democrats. Their platform was most liberal since Truman’s Fair Deal. Ø Republicans nominated Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. l l Republicans said they need to offer a clear choice between liberalism and conservatism Democrats made Goldwater appear to be a trigger happy cowboy who was ready to bring US into WWIII

Daisy Presidential Commercial Used to attack Goldwater as a trigger happy cowboy ready to

Daisy Presidential Commercial Used to attack Goldwater as a trigger happy cowboy ready to start World War III. Ø Only aired once, but was broadcast on the news programs. Ø Some considered it influential in securing victory for Johnson Ø Also showed a shift in how ads would be used for presidential campaigns Ø http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=9 Id_r 6 p. Nsus& safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe =active Ø

1964 Election

1964 Election

Tonkin Gulf Affair U. S naval ships were aiding South Vietnamese in raids on

Tonkin Gulf Affair U. S naval ships were aiding South Vietnamese in raids on North Vietnam. Ø Night of August 2 and 4 th, two American destroyers were fired upon by North Vietnamese. Ø Johnson uses this to his advantage in the election and also to launch air raids on North Vietnam Ø Also passage of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, essentially giving the power the war-declaring power of Congress. Ø Johnson said: ” It was like grandma’s shirt, it covered everything. ” Ø

The Great Society Johnson’s huge victory also saw the same results in Congress and

The Great Society Johnson’s huge victory also saw the same results in Congress and the coalition of southern Democrats and Republicans was also crushed. Ø Consequently, Johnson was able to pass many bills for his Great Society agenda with a very sympathertic and supportive Congress Ø Couple that with a resounding victory in the elections and a growing economy, Johnson felt little stood in his way of making sweeping social reform as promised by the Democrats Ø

Great Society Ø Agenda l l l 2 billion appropriated to the War on

Great Society Ø Agenda l l l 2 billion appropriated to the War on Poverty (Office of Economic Opportunity) 1 billion appropriated to the Appalachia area Two new cabinet positions: Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban Development • Named first black cabinet member, Robert C. Weaver l Other laws established the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities (lift level of American Cultural Life)

Big Four Aid to Education, Medicare (health care for elderly), immigration reform, and new

Big Four Aid to Education, Medicare (health care for elderly), immigration reform, and new voting rights bill. Ø Medicare and Medicaid Ø l l l Became a reality in 1965 Created “entitlements” like Social Security Basically meant it conferred rights to certain Americans in perpetuity Part of expanding “rights movement” that was designed to improve the life of millions of Americans However, increased the size and deficit of the federal budget

Big Four Ø Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 l l l Abolished national

Big Four Ø Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 l l l Abolished national origins quota of 1921 Doubled the amount of immigrants allowed to enter annually (290, 000) Set limits on immigrants from the Western hemisphere (120, 000) Allowed close relatives of U. S. citizens to enter outside the numerical restrictions (family unification) Immigration soared as a result Also, immigrants came more from Latin American and Asia as opposed to Europe

Big Four Ø Conservative Complaints: l Ø However, positives: l l Ø Conservatives argued

Big Four Ø Conservative Complaints: l Ø However, positives: l l Ø Conservatives argued that billions of dollars was simply flushed down the drain as the Democrats attempted ‘social engineering” Poverty rate declined in the next decade Medicare helped reduce poverty amongst seniors Head Start helped reduce poverty amongst underprivileged students Infant mortality rates fell Of course Johnson was not 100% victorious in the War on Poverty, but he did win some battles and made a dent.

Big Four Ø Voting Rights Act of 1965 l l Civil Rights Act gave

Big Four Ø Voting Rights Act of 1965 l l Civil Rights Act gave government power to desegregate schools and curtail racial discrimination, but pesky problem of voter rights remained Mississippi, only 5% of eligible black voters were registered. This was similar throughout the South Ballot Denying Devices: • Poll tax, literacy tests, violence and intimidation • Mississippi law made it necessary to publish name of black voters for two weeks prior to election, which meant intimidation and economic reprisals.

Black Voting Rights 24 th Amendment- banned the poll tqax in federal elections Ø

Black Voting Rights 24 th Amendment- banned the poll tqax in federal elections Ø Freedom Summer of 1964 Ø l l l White and blacks went to Mississippi to register voters and soothe generations of racial bigotry One black and two white civil rights workers were killed in Mississippi. White jury refused to convict the murderers. Mississippi Freedom Democratic party was denied seat at Convention and only a handful of black voters were registered.

Black Voting Rights Ø Further Violence (1965) l l In Selma, King organized a

Black Voting Rights Ø Further Violence (1965) l l In Selma, King organized a protest and peaceful demonstration in support of voting rights In Selma, only 1 percent of blacks were registered to vote, even though they made up 50% of the population IN march to Montgomery, police used tear gas and whips to assault King and the protestors. A preacher also killed and a Detroit woman was shot and killed by a Klansmen near Selma Johnson responds with an important speech to all Americans stating that what is occurring in Selma and Mississippi concerns all Americans Ø In action, Johnson pushes through Congress the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Ø

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Outlawed literacy tests and also sent federal voter registrars

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Outlawed literacy tests and also sent federal voter registrars into southern states Ø King always stated, “Give us the ballot and the South will never be the same again. ” Ø King was right, as blacks started to register to vote without fear of reprisal. Overtime, White candidates courted the black vote and business as never before. Ø Since Emancipation, there was a reverse migration back to the South for many blacks. Ø

Change in Civil Rights Movement After 1965, there was a shift in the Civil

Change in Civil Rights Movement After 1965, there was a shift in the Civil Rights movement from the non-violent and legislative movement in the South that looked to integrate blacks into the American life to a more violent and reactionary movement. Ø August 1965, Watts Los Angeles. Ø l Ø A huge riot occurred in which 31 blacks and 3 whites died, thousands were injured, and hundreds of buildings destroyed or burned. Watts signaled the move to a more violent movement that was led by militant spokespersons aiming not at interracial cooperation, but at black separation.

Black Power Ø Malcolm X l l l Born Malcolm Little, he later converted

Black Power Ø Malcolm X l l l Born Malcolm Little, he later converted to Islam and became a follower of Elijah Muhammed, leader of the Nation of Islam X was chosen to show his lost African identity in America A charismatic and inspirational speaker, Malcolm X spoke in favor of black separatism Later, Malcolm distanced himself from the Nation of Islam and became less extreme in his beliefs, especially after his visit to Mecca on the Hajj. In 1965, Malcolm X was shot dead by rival Nation of Islam gunman.

Black Power Ø Black Panther Party l l Openly brandished weapons in Oakland In

Black Power Ø Black Panther Party l l Openly brandished weapons in Oakland In 1966, Stockely Carmichael taught the idea of Black Power “will smash everything Western Civilization has created. ” 2 sides • One was it was meant as a slogan to enforce civil rights laws and also speed the integration of blacks into American society. • Others stated it was a black nationalist movement (Marcus garvey) that emphasized African American distinctiveness and to champion their African identity.

Black Power Ø As civil rights legislation passed, the nation was rocked by other

Black Power Ø As civil rights legislation passed, the nation was rocked by other riots: l l Detroit 1967: 43 people died and federal troops were called in to restore order Newark 1967: 25 lives lost Many whites in the North were confounded by the riots that occurred. Many believed that racial issues were a southern problem. Ø Black Power movement was less about civil rights and more about economic opportunity Ø Black unemployment was double white unemployment and nearly half of the black population lived in the North. Ø As economic opportunity remained elusive for many blacks, it was unlikely that the problem would be solved peacefully. Ø

Assassination of MLK Ø April 4, 1968 l l l A sniper’s bullet silenced

Assassination of MLK Ø April 4, 1968 l l l A sniper’s bullet silenced the charismatic and peaceful leadership of MKL in memphis, Tennessee The death of King robbed America of a voice of reason and leadership when it was needed most. Triumphs of King: • His legacy endures and in the short run, in late 1960’s several blacks elected to public office and two black mayors were elected in Cleveland Gary • By 1972, half of the South’s children sat in integrated classrooms • 1/3 of black families were part of the middle class