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Why did social protest and calls for political change sweep across the United States in the 1960’s

User Nullqwerty
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Answer:

1) Social change movements erupted in the 1960s for several interrelated reasons. First, since the 1930s the role of the federal government had become increasingly important in Americans’ everyday lives, and people began to look to the federal government to resolve problems. Second, after World War II (1939-1945), the United States emerged as a global power that competed with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR); this competition was both a political and moral crusade to convince people around the world that Western democracy was superior to the Communist system adopted by the USSR. Third, the 1950s and 1960s were periods of relative economic prosperity for most of the country, making economic disparity in the United States more obvious. Fourth, a national culture was emerging that linked all Americans more closely than ever before; television became common and allowed people to witness events taking place in other parts of the country and the world. Fifth, more students were going to college than before World War II, creating a concentration of concerned and educated activists on the grounds of universities and colleges.

2) The major protest movements began with the civil rights movement during the 1950s and early 1960s. The civil rights movement fought to end long-standing political, social, economic, and legal practices that discriminated against black Americans. It influenced later movements for social change, both by inspiring Americans to fight for change and by using methods of direct action, such as protest marches, rallies, and nonviolent civil disobedience tactics like sit-ins.

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User Calvin Li
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Answer:

They were protesting and demanding for free speech and against the U.S involvement in the Vietnam War.

They were burning DRAFT CARDS.

User Renjith R
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