Influential Social Movements to Know for AP United States History

Social movements have shaped American history by advocating for justice, equality, and rights. From the fight against slavery to the push for LGBTQ+ rights, these movements reflect the ongoing struggle for social change and influence global perspectives on human rights.

1. Abolitionist Movement

   • Aimed to end slavery in the United States, gaining momentum in the early 19th century.
   • Key figures included Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison.
   • Utilized literature, speeches, and the Underground Railroad to mobilize support and assist escaped slaves.

2. Women's Suffrage Movement

   • Focused on securing the right to vote for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment in 1920.
   • Prominent leaders included Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth.
   • Emphasized equality and challenged traditional gender roles in society.

3. Civil Rights Movement

   • Aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s.
   • Key events included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
   • Influential leaders included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X.

4. Labor Movement

   • Advocated for workers' rights, better wages, and improved working conditions, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
   • Key organizations included the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).
   • Significant events included the Haymarket Affair and the Pullman Strike.

5. Progressive Era Reform Movement

   • Aimed to address social issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in government from the 1890s to the 1920s.
   • Focused on issues such as women's rights, labor rights, and anti-corruption measures.
   • Key figures included Jane Addams, Theodore Roosevelt, and W.E.B. Du Bois.

6. Anti-War Movement (Vietnam War)

   • Opposed U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, gaining traction in the 1960s and early 1970s.
   • Key events included protests, the Kent State shootings, and the publication of the Pentagon Papers.
   • Influenced public opinion and policy, contributing to the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.

7. Environmental Movement

   • Emerged in the mid-20th century, focusing on conservation, pollution control, and sustainability.
   • Key events included the first Earth Day in 1970 and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
   • Influential figures included Rachel Carson, whose book "Silent Spring" raised awareness about pesticide use.

8. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

   • Advocated for the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, gaining momentum in the late 20th century.
   • Key events included the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and the subsequent Pride marches.
   • Achievements include the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 and increased visibility and representation.

9. Temperance Movement

   • Sought to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol, peaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
   • Key organizations included the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League.
   • Led to the passage of the 18th Amendment, establishing Prohibition in 1920.

10. Native American Rights Movement

    • Advocated for the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.
    • Key events included the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the occupation of Alcatraz Island.
    • Focused on issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination.

11. Populist Movement

    • Emerged in the late 19th century, representing the interests of farmers and laborers against the elite.
    • Key issues included monetary reform, regulation of railroads, and direct election of senators.
    • The People's Party was a significant political force during this period.

12. Black Power Movement

    • Emphasized racial pride, economic empowerment, and the creation of political and cultural institutions for African Americans in the 1960s and 1970s.
    • Key figures included Stokely Carmichael and Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party.
    • Focused on self-defense and community organizing in response to systemic racism.

13. Chicano Movement

    • Aimed to address the social and political issues faced by Mexican Americans in the 1960s and 1970s.
    • Focused on civil rights, education reform, and cultural pride.
    • Key events included the East Los Angeles Walkouts and the establishment of organizations like La Raza Unida.

14. Disability Rights Movement

    • Advocated for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, gaining momentum in the 1970s.
    • Key legislation includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
    • Focused on accessibility, anti-discrimination, and the right to independent living.

15. Anti-Apartheid Movement

    • Opposed the system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa, gaining international support in the 1980s.
    • Key figures included Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
    • Led to economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure that contributed to the end of apartheid in the early 1990s.