History of the United States (1964–1980)
The history of the United States between 1964 and 1980 is a period known as the "Modern" era. During this time, the US saw many changes, both good and bad. In 1964, the civil rights movement was full swing and African Americans were fighting for their rights, including the right to vote. Also that year, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, outlawing segregation and other forms of discrimination. The Black Panther movement began in 1966 and helped to promote civil rights for African Americans. Additionally, in 1964, Lyndon Johnson became President after John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Johnson created his Great Society program, which sought to provide better education, health, and economic opportunities to everyone.
In 1968, Richard Nixon was elected President, and he continued Johnson's programs. He got the US out of the Vietnam War in 1973 and created détente, a policy of lessening tension between the US and Soviet Union. Women and minority rights got a major boost in 1972 when Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment, seeking equal rights for all Americans regardless of gender and race.
In the mid-1970s, the US experienced economic difficulties, including a recession and high inflation; Nixon resigned in 1974. Ford was President for a short time, and in 1977 Jimmy Carter was elected. Carter's main goal was to reduce both inflation and unemployment. He created the Energy and Conservation Act in 1977 to lessen the US dependence on foreign oil and preserve the environment.
By the end of Carter's presidency in 1980, the US had seen economic growth, but the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-81 showed that the US still had a long way to go in foreign relations.
In 1968, Richard Nixon was elected President, and he continued Johnson's programs. He got the US out of the Vietnam War in 1973 and created détente, a policy of lessening tension between the US and Soviet Union. Women and minority rights got a major boost in 1972 when Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment, seeking equal rights for all Americans regardless of gender and race.
In the mid-1970s, the US experienced economic difficulties, including a recession and high inflation; Nixon resigned in 1974. Ford was President for a short time, and in 1977 Jimmy Carter was elected. Carter's main goal was to reduce both inflation and unemployment. He created the Energy and Conservation Act in 1977 to lessen the US dependence on foreign oil and preserve the environment.
By the end of Carter's presidency in 1980, the US had seen economic growth, but the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-81 showed that the US still had a long way to go in foreign relations.