Historians have been exploring the events experienced in the United States to understand how they have influenced political, social, and economic policies. Each decade appears to present specific opportunities, challenges, and issues that cannot be wished away if Americans are to understand how far the nation has come. The 1960s was a period of great upheavals that transformed the country’s future in a way many individuals never anticipated (Schmidt 1089). After the dawn of the new millennium, Americans realized that they were grappling with broader and bigger problems that required evidence-based solutions. The thesis statement for this paper is that the 1960s presented a decade of heartbreaks and promises. In comparison, the 2000s was a period of reflection as the United States realized that it was still on its journey towards realizing its military, social, and civil rights goals.
Comparing and Contrasting the 1960s and the 2000s
The history of the United States is characterized by momentous events and happenings that led to establishing different laws and policies. Many people acknowledge that the 1960s was a decade of transformations and extremes (King 14). On one side, the period saw an extension of the fight for civil rights and equality. For instance, minority groups such as African Americans became energized to demand their freedoms in a society that was characterized by discrimination. Similarly, women began to pursue similar objectives in the country.
The decade created new disparities between the liberals and the conservatives. Most of the conservatives were observed to rebel against any agenda pursued by their counterparts. According to them, it was the right time to promote political correctness and sustain their cultural positions in the nation. On the other side, many liberals demanded a new society defined by justice, equality, and fairness (Schmidt 1092). The nature of these developments explains why many scholars agree that the decade transformed many things in the country.
The fight for civil rights and gender equality led to the Civil Rights Movement (King 16). The economic development experienced throughout the decade made it possible for many Americans to pursue their aims. This opportunity compelled more people to acknowledge that different minority groups had been disadvantaged over the years. Consequently, new laws and amendments focusing on inclusivity were considered to transform the society’s dark history.
In 1960, a young senator named John F. Kennedy declared his desire to become the country’s president. Many scholars indicate that the announcement was a sign of hope that redefined the decade (King 17). The candidate would win and become the nation’s president. Kennedy’s leadership marked a new beginning as more people continued to fight against inequality in the United States. Dramatic musicians such as Elvis Presley emerged during the period. These artists were on the frontline to deliver messages of equality and hope (Schmidt 1092). The notion of freedom gained a new meaning. This emerging rebellion empowered more people to focus on a better society that supported all people’s rights.
The efforts of different liberals led to the passage of new programs aimed at transforming society. Such policies would eventually mark the end of racial segregation (Schmidt 1098). However, the assassination of John Kennedy has been described by many analysts as a portrayal of the kind of resistance experienced by many people during the time. Such individuals wanted to make American society a better place for every citizen. At the same time, the infamous Cold War was raging. The upheaval appeared to trouble the country more than ever before.
Four decades later, many Americans found themselves grappling with unprecedented challenges and pursuits. The 2000s began with a disputed vote between Al Gore and George W. Bush. Within the first few months of Bush’s presidency, the country woke up to one of the deadliest terrorist attacks that shook the whole world (Miller et al. 38). September 11 has been analyzed widely by many government leaders and scholars in international relations. This event was a wake-up call for more people to appreciate the power of neorealism in the changing global landscape (Telatar 45).
This attack catalyzed dynamic changes in the country’s policies and homeland security arrangements. It is also evident that the fight for civil rights was still ongoing in the nation during the decade. Historians indicate that the new millennium was characterized by unique demands in a world that was transforming so fast. For example, many people continued to fight for social equality and job opportunities (Schmidt 1091). More women were against the issue of the glass ceiling in their respective places of work. This effort led to the appointment of the first female speaker in the nation’s House of Representatives in 2007.
The remarkable civil rights agenda was pursued by LGBTs (lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender) in the country. Analysts argue that the fight played a significant role in informing the Supreme Court’s decision of 2015 that permitted same-sex marriages. This achievement contrasts with the passage of different amendments in the 1960s aimed at supporting the freedoms of minority groups (King 17). Additionally, scholars have used these events to explain how the fight for equality has remained a mirage in the nation. This is the case because more people in the nation continue to face numerous challenges due to inequality.
During the same decade, the war on terror began to protect the nation from criminals. This issue has been matched with the realities of the Cold War of the 1960s (Miller et al. 93). The complexities and challenges emerging during the time have been contrasted with those experienced in different regions such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
Towards the end of the decade, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States (Telatar 46). Many scholars who have examined this achievement believe strongly that his presidency portrayed the gains in the struggle for equality. However, analysts have been divided over this matter. Others acknowledge that the US is a country whose resources are shared disproportionately.
Conclusion
Each decade in the United States can be studied carefully to understand the political, social, and economic gains that have been made so far. The events of the 1960s differ significantly from those of the 2000s. The country was faced with diverse quandaries during the two periods. However, the 1960s and2000s are distinctive decades that gave the people of the land new opportunities and achievements (Schmidt 1102). The end of the Cold War and the emergence of global terrorism in 2001 encouraged more nations to think deeper to protect their respective citizens. This analysis also indicates clearly that the fight for equality is an illusion that will always be defined by societies differently.
Works Cited
King, LaGarrett J. “The Status of Black History in U.S. Schools and Society.” Social Education, vol. 81, no. 1, 2017, pp. 14-18.
Miller, David et al. Critical Terrorism Studies Since 11 September 2001: What Has Been Learned? Pearson, 2014.
Schmidt, Christopher W. “Legal History and the Problem of the Long Civil Rights Movement.” Law & Social Inquiry, vol. 41, no. 4, 2016, pp. 1081-1107.
Telatar, Gokhan. “Barack Obama, the War on Terrorism and the US Hegemony.” Turkish Journal of International Relations, vol. 13, no. 4, 2014, pp. 41-58.