CONTENT STATEMENT
Following World War II, the United States experienced a struggle for racial and gender equality and the extension of civil rights.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Following World War II, movements began to highlight the need to secure the same freedoms and opportunities for groups of marginalized Americans that other Americans enjoyed.
Civil Rights organizations fought for equal opportunities for African Americans and to end segregation. Organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) sought to change long-standing policies and laws.
Many Civil Rights activists demonstrated to affect political and social change. These activists mobilized to carry out demonstrations to bring light to the injustices plaguing the nation. Examples of these actions included:
- the Montgomery Bus Boycott;
- the March on Washington; and
- the Freedom Rides.
Their actions helped to bring about legislative Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Acts and judicial change including Brown v. Board of Education.
Mexican Americans organized through the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) to improve the conditions of migrant workers.
Women made progress toward equal opportunities through demonstrations, legislation, and the establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
The American Indian Movement (AIM) worked to improve conditions on reservations, protect land rights, and improve opportunities in education and employment.
The Gay Liberation Movement began with the Stonewall Riots, which led to an organized effort for full inclusion in public life and institutions.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Summarize the struggle for racial and gender equality and the extension of civil rights that occurred in the United States in the post-World War II period.