Shaping the World as we Know it
Social, Economic and Cultural Changes During the Cold War
Social Changes
During the 1960s many social changes were spurring out of econmical chanegs. The Department of Housing Acts, creating houses in surburbian areas, created a divid between African Americans and White Americans. Many of the White Americans moved out into the suburbs. While African Americans who couldn't really afford much, were forced to stay in the cities. However, during 1964 The Civil Rights Act was established, this banned discrimination in the public. In addition the Twenty-Fourth Amendment got rid of the fee African Americans had to pay to vote. 1n 1965 The Voting Rights Act was established, this eneded the test African Americans had to take before getting to vote. Also in 1965, The Immigration Act ended the National-Origans Qoutas, which was created in 1924. In 1972, congress also passed the Indian Education Act and Self Determination Act. These laws allowed tribes to have control over their affairs and their childern's education. In 1982, The Equal Rights Amendment was also passed. This allowed women to perform other wroles within soceity.
Economic Changes
During the 1960s America was struglling economically, it was a major domestic issue. The unemployment rate was about 6%, which has been one of the highest rates since World War II. President Kennedy supported deficit spending. President Kennedy beleived that the economy would improve by an increase in government spending and by lowering taxes. By 1961, the funding for U.S. arms increased by 20% and the increase of minimum wage to $1.25 an hour had been developed. In August congress put the Economic Oppertunity Act in place this provided:
-Job oppertunities for the youth
-Vista (Volunteers in Service to America)
-Project Head Start
-The Community Action Porgram, this helped encourage the poor to participate in public work.
In addition to all these changes Congress made changes to social security through the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid. This was extended health insurance. Furthermore, congress developed the Omnibus Housing Act which provided money for low income housing.
Cultural Changes
Hippie Culture:
The Hippe era was known for rock 'n' roll music and for the countless drugs developed during that time. Hippies stemed from beliefs of Zen Buddhism, which promoted enlightment through meditation. Theey wore tie-dyed shirts, ragged jeans and they loved to wear beads around their necks. Hippies also grew thier hair out and they believed living in communally.
Art:
In the 1960s pop art became expecially popular. Pop artists were lead by famous artist, Andy Warhol. Pop art was bright, simple, and commercial looking.
Rock Music:
During the 1960s Rock 'n' Roll was developed. The band that seemed to start it all were The Beatles, from England.
Sources:
Picture 2:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Us_unemployment_rates_1950_2005.png
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