American History Social Movement 1960s and 1970s
The research paper is intended to provide you with the opportunity to combine historical research about a historical development in American history with knowledge of contemporary social issues. The paper should be 10-12 pages double-spaced in length (not including the bibliography page). Since this is a research paper, a bibliography page is REQUIRED; otherwise, it WILL NOT BE GRADED. The bibliography should have at least 5 secondary sources, e.g., journal articles and monographs. You MUST use Chicago Style formatting for your bibliography and foot-note or end-note citations, Times New Roman font, and 12-point font size.
Many of the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s can be described as going through two phases: an initial phase where they offered legislative solutions and a second where they attempted to effect broad cultural change. Which of these phases do you believe had a greater effect on America?
Sample Solution
Social movements are purposeful, organized groups striving to work toward a common goal. These groups might be attempting to create change (Occupy Wall Street, Arab Spring), to resist change (anti-globalization movement), or to provide a political voice to those otherwise disenfranchised (civil rights movements). Social movements create social change. The 1960s and early 1970s represented a period of large scale protest in United States history. Recognizable movements during the period included the anti-Vietnam War campaign, the civil rights movement, women’s liberation, the student movement, and last, but not least, the counterculture. These waves of protest sparked landmark changes throughout the nation. Yet, there were smaller campaigns that were equally as important and are generally overshadowed by the notoriety of the aforementioned.
