Late Twentieth Century

Definition

The Late Twentieth Century refers to the period from the 1970s to the end of the 1990s, marked by significant social, political, and economic changes across the globe. This era saw the rise of various social movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and environmental protection, alongside a reconfiguration of political parties and their ideologies in response to these movements and shifting public sentiments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The late 20th century witnessed significant legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which continued to impact social movements through the 1970s and beyond.
2. The feminist movement gained traction during this period, leading to landmark events like the Women's Liberation Movement and significant legal changes related to gender equality.
3. The emergence of technology and globalization in the late 20th century transformed economies and political landscapes, influencing both domestic policies and international relations.
4. The fall of communism in Eastern Europe at the end of the 1980s marked a pivotal moment in global politics, reshaping party ideologies across the world as nations transitioned towards democratic governance.
5. The growth of identity politics during this era saw various groups advocating for their rights based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities, significantly influencing political parties' platforms.

Review Questions

• How did social movements during the Late Twentieth Century influence government policy and legislation?
  • Social movements such as the Civil Rights Movement and feminist activism played a crucial role in shaping government policy during the Late Twentieth Century. They pushed for legislation that promoted civil rights, gender equality, and environmental protections. The activism led to significant laws being passed that aimed to dismantle institutional discrimination and create a more equitable society.
• In what ways did political parties adapt their ideologies in response to social movements in the Late Twentieth Century?
  • Political parties adapted their ideologies significantly in response to social movements during this era. The Democratic Party embraced progressive causes such as civil rights and women's rights, while the Republican Party's New Right movement emphasized conservative values. This shift influenced party platforms and electoral strategies as they sought to appeal to changing voter demographics and public sentiments.
• Evaluate how the events of the Late Twentieth Century shaped contemporary political discourse and social activism.
  • The events of the Late Twentieth Century laid foundational changes that continue to influence contemporary political discourse. Social movements from this era have resulted in ongoing advocacy for civil rights, gender equality, and environmental issues. The legacy of identity politics also remains strong today, impacting how groups organize politically. Moreover, debates over globalization and technological advancements are rooted in transformations that occurred during this time period.

Related terms

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s, which laid the groundwork for continued activism in the Late Twentieth Century.

New Right: A political movement that emerged in the late 20th century advocating for conservative principles, including limited government, traditional values, and free-market economics, which influenced the Republican Party's ideology.

Environmentalism:

A social and political movement that gained momentum in the Late Twentieth Century focused on protecting the environment, advocating for policies to combat pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.