Period 8: 1945-1980 (CCOT) (jan 1, 1945 – jan 1, 1980)

Description:

Continuity (1945):

-> Role in the US:
(remained superpower and anticommunist)

1. US as world superpower
2. UN and NATO
3. Containment of communism
4. Military and financial support to nations fighting communism
5. industrial exporter

-> Citizenship:
(Backlash against civil rights)

1. European immigrants assimilated
2. Discrimination against African Americans
3. 1920 immigration limits still largely in place

-> Cultural views:
(Greater cynicism)

1. Women's role in the home
2. Consumption, affluence
3. Conformity
4. McCarthyism
5. Strong support for U.S. government and authority

Change (1980):

-> Role in the US:
(looking to limit intervention)

1. Remained world superpower
2. Anticommunism but detente
3. Decline in confidence after Vietnam
4. "Vietnam Syndrome"
5. Nixon Doctrine
6. Importer of cars, oil


-> Citizenship:
(Enormous expansion of citizenship)

1. Civil Rights Movement, SCOTUS decisions, legislation
2. Improved rights for African Americans
3. 1965 immigration laws opened up doors to Asians, families
4. Backlash against civil rights policies - too far/not far enough?

-> Cultural views:
(Greater freedom)

1. Sexual Revolution, Women's rights movement
2. Critiques of materialism and military from students, artists
3. Suspicion towards gov't after Watergate, Pentagon papers
4. Economic downturn

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