CONTENT STATEMENT
The continuing population flow from cities to suburbs, the internal migrations from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt, and the increase in immigration resulting from passage of the 1965 Immigration Act have had social and political effects.
CONTENT ELABORATION
The postwar movement from cities to suburbs had social and political effects that included:
- white flight and discriminatory loan practices towards minorities (i.e., redlining);
- polarization of urban and rural voters; and
- urban riots throughout the 1960s.
Residents of the Rust Belt region of the country were being drawn by the employment opportunities offered by defense plants and high-tech industries located in the South and California. This migration led to the growth of the Sun belt. This development contributed to a political power shift in the country reflected in the reapportionment of congressional districts.
The 1965 Immigration Act allowed more individuals from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to enter the United States. The immigration that followed impacted the country’s demographic makeup. For example, Hispanics became the fastest growing minority in the U.S. which led to an increase in Spanish language media and funding for bilingual education programs.
These demographic changes impacted voting practices and the balance of power between the major political parties.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Analyze the social and political effects of the continuing population flow from cities to suburbs, the internal migrations from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt, and the increase in immigration resulting from passage of the 1965 Immigration Act.