Conflicts

Conflicts in the 1950s
The Civil Rights Movement was a constant struggle throughout the 1950s. It was a time when the problems with racism and segregation became more evident. While African Americans fought to gain rights in a peaceful way, white people used violence and intimidation to prevent Blacks from asserting their rights. Another major conflict during the 1950s was The Cold War. It was a war of ideas between the USA and the Soviet Union. The main conflict presented itself through the conflicting ideas of a capitalist society and a communist society. Fear also fueled The Cold War. The United States feared the spread of communism. President Truman popularized the theory of Containment to prevent the spread of communism and shaping American foreign policy.

Conflicts in the 1960s
A major conflict in the 1960s was the Vietnam War. President Johnson could take any necessary measure to protect American soldiers in this war that divided the nation. Some people supported the war effort, while others opposed it. People fled the country to avoid the draft, and others formed secret groups to support the war. Many young people died during the war – especially the poor, who were often minorities. Students took over college campuses by organizing massive anti-war demonstrations. In addition to the struggle in Vietnam, the fight for Civil Rights carried over into the 1960s. The movement spread when four black students sat down at a white’s only table and refused to leave. White police became more violent by using tear gas and clubs to break up protests. The federal government finally helped in 1964, when President Johnson proposed the Civil Rights Act to congress, which outlawed discrimination. These laws did not eliminate racism, as it is a problem that America still faces today. Unfortunately, Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King Jr. died during this time period, which caused leaders of the movement to turn from peaceful nonviolent protests to militant actions.