Usa 1950 History

Most Significant Events

Introduction:

There have been many events that have happened over the course of the Earth's existence. Many are considered very significant in our countries history. Since the 1950's there have been many changes from social, economic, political and technology. Many wars have been fought by the United States and we have gone through many culture changes, along with technology increases. There has also been rises in diseases with no cures to them, elimination of superpower, crooked presidents, a change in communication and many economic problems.

1950s:

The United States went through so many changes in the 1950's. They were winning the war and because of this, the economy rose. Because of the war, the political stances also drove America out into the spotlight. They were viewed as powerful, rich, and many assumed they would provide aid for other countries. The United States had to worry about their own issues and had to deal with them.

World War II was when Americans had to face race issues for the first time because blacks were able to serve. The main focus for the United States was to end Communism, and so the color of ones skin was no longer an issue for the time being. During this time the Civil Rights movement made a big impact. They took place of a solitary and group effort and it began to unify bringing people together through the hardships and adversity. There were many people who fought for the blacks for equality and justice. One person stands out the most, Martin Luther King Jr. He wanted change and wanted it to be an easy one. Martin Luther King believed that if everyone went against all of the unjust laws in a peaceful manner, it would make those laws fall. It would also show people that it is possible to fight, without violence/fighting. (Morris, 1986, 30-44, 58-89)

1960s:

Many children were born years after World War II, so the 1960's was referred to as the "Age of Youth". During this time counterculture became a social revolution. Many children and adults behaved so badly and rebelled in a way that the United States had never seen. Many changes happened during this period of time, much of everyone's focus was on the Civil Rights Movement, Feminist Movement, Latino Movement and Anti-War movements. There were many events that were considered very significant in history of this time during the 60's including the presidency of John F. Kennedy in 1963, Malcolm X in 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy in 1968. There were many social and political disturbances, riots, and boycotts that challenged conventional materialism. The televisions show Leave it to Beaver was one that the youth of America turned to in many ways.

The war between North and South Vietnam was one to remember. The war was one that caused issues once battle was engaged. It showed difficulty to see who was a communist and who was not a communist. The Americans were sent to Vietnam to take over the south and help them fight against communism. The war continued into John F. Kennedy's presidency. After Kennedy's death, Lyndon Johnson did not announce his concern about the war and he leaned towards concern within the United States. As the war continued on it got worse. Many troops were required and more money was invested throughout this period. Many people did not even understand why the Vietnam War started to begin with.

1970s:

Dependency on foreign trade (oil and steel), and economic recessions were a big part of the 1970's. The United States had their main focus on political and social equality during this time. The Civil rights movement, environmentalism, and feminism played their part during the 70's still. Many women were finally being able to be seen as equal in society. Europe and America were pushing political and cultural equality and stability (Burns,