Impact of the Civil Rights Movement Global Studies 10 Riddlebarger

Revival of the Women’s Movement Following passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, the women’s movement declined. In 1960’s, it experiences a revival as women again begin questioning why they are still treated unequal

Women in workforce By 1963, 1/3 of American workers were women On average, women only earn 60% of what men make. Types of work women can get is part of reason- service, retail, clerical & domestic pay poorly. Manufacturing & construction considered men’s jobs. Women often receive lower wages even when they work the same jobs as men. Many women still choose to stay at home as homemakers.

Betty Friedan Betty Friedan writes a book, The Feminine Mystique in 1963 Concludes that many woman were unsatisfied with their lives Felt trapped by domestic life We can no longer ignore that voice within women that says: “I want something more than my husband and my children and my home.” The book sparks a national debate about the roles & rights of women.

Women’s Liberation Movement Core belief is feminism Conviction that men & women should be socially, politically and economically equal 1966: Group of feminists form NOW National Organization for Women Goals: equality in the workplace, schools and justice system More political representation Worked to end violence towards women & achieve abortion rights.

NOW Betty Friedan is the first president Group lobbies government to change laws Filed lawsuits Staged rallies, marches & other nonviolent protests

ERA Equal Rights Amendment pushed by NOW Proposed amendment promised equal treatment for men and women in areas of society. Needs 38 states to ratify it; NOW organizes marches across the country Some see it as a threat to traditional values Others are concerned it will cancel rights woman have gained without gaining any new ones. Falls 3 states short of ratification

Roe vs. Wade 1973 landmark case struck down state laws that banned abortion Courts ruled that old laws violated right to privacy. Debate continues today on this decision

Impact of Women’s Movement By the end of the1970’s the number of women holding professional positions increases Though most still hold low paying jobs More women in senior government positions. Still fairly small in number Movement fades by late 1970’s; seen by many as benefitting only wealthy white women.

The Lives of Native Americans Indian groups had suffered injustices since colonial times. High unemployment rates in nation amongst Native Americans Average income for Indian men is half that of white men. Serious health issues within Native American communities Alcoholism, tuberculosis, infant mortality, low life expectancy

A Movement Emerges Red Power movement begins in 1960’s as a result of the government’s “termination” program. Government attempt to get Native-Americans off reservations Little government assistance LBJ supports Indian self-determination & activists help bring changes in late 60’s & early 70’s.

Alcatraz 1969: Native group tries to reclaim Alcatraz island. Occupation lasts nearly 18 months. Federal marshals eventually remove them This action did bring attention to Native issues & some states responded by returning some lands to Native tribes.

AIM American Indian Movement (AIM) becomes major force behind Red Power movement AIM calls for Celebration of traditional cultures Economic independence Better education for Indian children. AIM sometimes resorted to more forceful tactics than nonviolence.

AIM & Russell Means “Before AIM, Indians were dispirited, defeated and culturally dissolving. People were ashamed to be Indian…We put Indians and Indian rights smack dab in the middle of the public consciousness for the first time since the so-called Indian wars…[AIM] laid the groundwork for the next stage in regaining sovereignty and self-determination as a nation.

Native American Progress Other groups worked to protect Native’s rights, improve standards of living & educational access Congress passed many laws during era of Red Power to support this. 1993- Indian Tribal Justice Act- gave tribes more legal authority in tribal areas (culture/identity connection) Today’s reservation are home to Native-owned business & increased tourism Issues of high unemployment & high drop-out rates on reservations remain.

Latinos Fight for Rights Hispanic U.S. Latino population increased greatly in 1960’s. In 1960, 1/3 live below poverty Double the unemployment rate as compared to white Americans High dropout rate partly a result of poor education opportunities Few in political office

Struggle for Social Justice As other groups seek change, Latinos also campaign for social justice One of earliest efforts is on farms in California. Many agricultural workers were Latino and do hard labor for low wages 1965: They go on strike.

United Farms Workers Cesar Chavez and National Farm Workers join strike He knew they needed publicity to be truly effective. Boycott grapes Success of strike makes Chavez a national figure Helps inspire many Mexican-Americans to fight discrimination in their lives.