1948 – 1977
Growth and Turmoil
Consider how women of diverse backgrounds contributed to and were shaped by an era of escalating political activism and rapidly shifting social norms, from the dawn of the Cold War through the apex of the debate over the Equal Rights Amendment.
Key Ideas
1. The federal government and popular culture sought to promote the superiority of democracy over communism by celebrating the suburban family, which was held together by the American housewife. This middle-class ideal, however, excluded most Americans.
2. Ongoing racism and segregation led to a wave of civil rights activism, including and extending far beyond the African American community. Women played a significant role in leading this work.
3. The Vietnam War provided women with new opportunities for service and activism. Women were vocal participants in both the pro- and anti-war movements.
4. The activism of the 1960s was a major catalyst in the growth of the women’s liberation movement. Feminists from diverse backgrounds fought for equality, but they did not always agree on the best way to achieve it.
5. Not all American women supported gender equality and progressive feminist ideals.
Teaching Materials
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1948 - 1963
Cold War Beginnings
The same government propaganda machine that championed Rosie the Riveter now promoted a different notion. American women could embody democracy and fight communism from their suburban kitchens. In reality, most Americans did not have access to this white, middle-class ideal. For them, postwar America was neither democratic nor stable.
1969 - 1977
Feminism and the Backlash
Inspired by demands for racial equality, women from diverse backgrounds began to speak out for gender equality. Feminists worked collectively and individually to build a national women’s liberation movement. But as they achieved more and more success, they also incited a powerful backlash.
1963 - 1974
Growing Tensions
By 1963, social and political tensions in America were boiling over. Demands for equality and an end to the increasingly unpopular Vietnam War inspired a wave of activism that included and was often led by women.
Resources in this Unit
Women Strike for Equality
A promotional broadside and series of photographs from the 1970 New York City march.
Women of All Red Nations
An illustration distributed by Women of All Red Nations.
Why Women’s Liberation
Gloria Steinem’s testimony supporting the Equal Rights Amendment before the United States Senate.
Watergate and Defending the Constitution
Representative Barbara Jordan’s Statement on the Articles of Impeachment of President Richard Nixon.
Voting Rights and Violent Suppression
Excerpts from Fannie Lou Hamer’s testimony at the Democratic National Convention, 1964.
The Pill
A case designed to hold and distribute birth control pills.
The Kitchen Debate
Excerpts from an informal debate between Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev about daily life in America and the Soviet Union.
The Environmental Movement
Rachel Carson’s testimony before Congress about the danger of pesticides.
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