Thesis Statements

From 1960 up until the mid 1970’s, there was a plethora of civil rights groups and movements in the United States. Prominent among these were the African- American and Native American movements. Both movements were successful, perhaps too much. Although African-Americans gained rights and then equality cam about by Affirmative Action, which favored minorities over white men.

Between the period of time of 1930 to 1975, many minority groups in the U.S. made great progress toward political and social equality. Not the least of these groups were African-Americans and Native Americans. Both groups demonstrated their extreme unhappiness with the American society as it was, protesting peacefully and violently if need be.

Fair and unfair are words that could be spoken about the years from 1960 to Through these years, many ethnic groups fought for political and social equality. When many think about this issue, two groups stand out the most: African-Americans and women. These two groups have fought all throughout history for their equal places in society.

American history has been riddled with movements by minorities and women to gain civil rights. For many years after the abolition of slavery, racial prejudices still dominated American culture. The Anglo people always felt superior to the minorities who shared the land with them. Not only were these discriminations local, such as the Jim Crow laws, they were also national, such as the ruling in Plessey v Ferguson case. In the 1960s and 1970s, these movements gained renewed strength. African Americans, as well as Native Americans, stepped to the forefront of the racial wars. Many achievements were made by both groups in the areas of political power, basic rights, and self respect.

During the 1930s, the United States faced an enormous economic depression known as the Great Depression. In response to this, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed the “New Deal” that would provide relief, recovery and reform for the American people and economy. Under President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the 1960s, the welfare programs of FDR were greatly expanded. It was during this expansion that created the modern American welfare state. The “Great Society” resembles the “New Deal” in its origins, goals and social and political legacy.

Through the 1960s and 1970s many races, and genders, pushed for equal rights. Whether it be in the workplace or on the bus, each group wanted fair treatment. Through multiple acts of protest and legal bills, they gained their independence in modern society. First to scourge through Capitol Hill for rights were black citizens. After being subjugated to segregation, discrimination and degradation of their race, they push for their civil rights. Sit-ins, bus boycotts and freedom rides were the societal and economic strategies to help gain their rights.

Assignment… Write a thesis statement on the following question: * Discuss how the perception of organized labor has changed in America from the period of the mid-1800’s to the 1960s.