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Vietnam War
The Vietnam War lasted from November 1955, to April of 1975. The North (Việt Minh) fought the South (Viet Cong) in an attempt to create a communist regime. The Viet Cong allied with the US. Americans despised the war which caused a bitter divide in America. When news of the Pentagon Papers reached the public, more chaos erupted. The papers described false reasons why Americans were involved with the Vietnamese.
Why Did America Fight the Vietnam War? video: https://youtu.be/EunyfX-Zjo4 -
Elvis Presley & Rock n' Rock
Elvis Presley was the King of Rock and Roll, a modernized mix of more traditional genres such as the Blues, Bluegrass, and Country. Rock n' Roll culture soon became popular by the 1960s. Presley was known for his charisma and scandalous movements on stage which fired up the crowds and angered parents. He pushed the counterculture movements of the 60s often engaging in some of the ideals, such as loose sexual engagements and drugs.
Hound Dog music video: https://youtu.be/lzQ8GDBA8Is -
Hippie Movement
The hippie movement lasted from 1959-75, directly after the Vietnam war which they vehemently opposed. They were a huge part of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Hippies supported peace, free love, and the use of drugs. They wore unconventional clothing and members (including males) sported long hair with colorful beads. The Woodstock Festival was one of the most notorious places for hippies to gather and listen to music.
Woodstock Festival: https://youtu.be/L1AtpSP_bvI -
Moon Landing
On the morning of 20 July 1969 three men: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins; successfully landed Apollo on the moon for the first time. The moon landing was a huge accomplishment for both the science and the political community of the United States to prove that they were superior to the Soviet Union during the midst of the Cold War.
Moon Landing video: https://youtu.be?RMINSD7MmT4 -
Desegregation of University of Alabama
In the 1954, Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, "separate but equal" was overturned and segregation was deemed unconstitutional. On 10 June 1963, President John F. Kennedy authorized federal troops to enforce the desegregation of the University of Alabama. Governor George Wallace led a sentiment to barricade the black students from entering the university. However, his attempts were unsuccessful and on 11 June, Vivian Malone and James A Hood were enrolled. -
JFK Assassination
John F. Kennedy served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961- November of 1963. JFK was killed on 22 November in Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was assassinated in his car; he was shot in the neck and head. He was pronounced dead at 1:00 P.M. at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Just hours after the assassination, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in. -
The Black Panther Party
The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. It was an active organization until 1982. Originally, it advocated against police brutality toward blacks. However, the group transitioned to a Marxist regime which called for the arming of blacks; exemption of African Americans from drafts; release of all African Americans from prison; and payment for injustices. At its peak the party had around 2,000 members and the operation spread to metropolitan cities. -
Disco
Disco was a musical style adapted for the urban nightlife, and clubs. It grew in popularity in the 1970s and reached its peak during the late 1970s and early 80s. Songs like Thank God it’s Friday and Saturday Night Fever by non-disco artists help the genre break into mainstream popularity.
Stayin' Alive video: https://youtu.be/I_izvAbhExY -
Ping Pong Diplomacy
In the early 1970s, Chinese and American ping pong players were exchanged as an effort to mend diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. The match marked the first time Americans were invited to China since the Communist regime takeover in 1949. The event allowed President Nixon visit to China and improved relations between America and the Republic of China. -
Attempted Assassination of George Wallace
Wallace was shot 15 May 1972 by Arthur Bremer in Laurel, Maryland. Wallace was campaigning as a presidential candidate at the time. He, along with three others, were shot and were taken to a nearby hospital. The next day, he won primary victories in Michigan and Maryland; however, he was paralyzed from the waist down due to the shooting. As a result, Wallace spent the following months in rehabilitation forcing his campaign to end prematurely. -
Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal began on 17 June 1972. Robbers were arrested from the Watergate Hotel, where the Democratic National Committee headquarters were located. The investigation revealed that Nixon sought to cover up the Watergate break in. Nixon also made efforts to conceal wiretapping and stolen documents. He was forced to resign to avoid impeachment. The Watergate scandal created a downward trend of trust in the federal government.
I’m Not A Crook video: https://youtu.be/sh163n1lJ4M -
Hurricane Carmen
Hurricane Carmen started forming on 29 August, east of Guadalupe. It first hit the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico as a category 4 storm. After it passed, it regained its strength and on 4 September, it struck the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Carmen claimed 8 lives in total, had wind speeds upwards of 150 mph, and the damage cost around $172 million in 1974 which would be around $918 million in 2018.
