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We seek an America where we more perfectly realize the promise of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This calls for civic education that helps students examine the story of our country and exercise the skills of citizenship.
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Chapter 15: 1968-1980

4 Lessons

Overview

Chapter 15 of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, BRI’s U.S. History Curriculum Resource, invites students to explore how a fracturing of the liberal consensus shaped politics and culture between 1968 and 1980.

It contains an Introductory Essay, 4 lessons including a Vietnam War DBQ, 13 essays, 8 primary sources, a point-counterpoint about media coverage of the Tet Offensive, and an Inquiry Organizer to guide students through the exploration of the material.

Explore our suggested sequence for Chapter 15.

Lessons

The New York Blackout of 1977

Use this Lesson at the end of the chapter while discussing Jimmy Carter to have students discuss the impact of urban decline and the U.S. government's intervention.

Vietnam War DBQ

Use this Lesson with the Did U.S. Media Provide Fair and Accurate Coverage of the Tet Offensive? Point-Counterpoint following the Kent State Narrative to discuss the increase of anti-Vietnam War sentiments in the United States into the 1970s.

Unit 7 Civics Connection: Modern Liberalism, Limited Government, and Rights

Use this lesson at the end of the unit to review changes and continuities in the philosophy of modern liberation from 1944 to 1972.

Women walk down a city street and hold signs that say Women Demand Equality and GWU Women's Liberation.

Unit 7 Essay Activity

Use this lesson as the conclusion of the unit.

Activities

Did U.S. Media Provide Fair and Accurate Coverage of the Tet Offensive?

Two scholars debate this question.

Music as Protest: “We Shall Overcome”

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

National Organization for Women (NOW), Bill of Rights, 1968

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Indians of All Tribes, Alcatraz Proclamation, 1969

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Nixon Tapes: The “Smoking Gun” Tape, 1972

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Art as Protest: Images from the United Farm Workers of America, 1973–1978

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

Herblock, Watergate Cartoons, 1973–1974

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

Barbara Jordan, Speech on Impeachment, July 25, 1974

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Jimmy Carter sits at a desk and signs a document.

Jimmy Carter, “Malaise” Speech, July 15, 1979

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Essays

Chapter 15 Introductory Essay: 1968-1980

How did a recession and an unpopular war affect the U.S.?

Neil Armstrong and the Moon Landing

What caused the Space Race?

Kent State

Explores the Kent State Massacre and its impact.

The Birth Control Pill

Explores the social changes in America surrounding birth control.

Phyllis Schlafly and the Debate over the Equal Rights Amendment

Why did some women oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?

Photograph of the front of Stonewall Inn.

The Gay Liberation Movement

How did the social changes of the 20th century affect the gay population?

President Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai shake hands in front of an airplane staircase. Nixon's wife, Pat, and Chinese leaders look on.

Richard Nixon Opens Diplomatic Relations with China

Why did President Nixon visit China during the 1970s?

Richard Nixon and Watergate

What events led to the resignation of President Nixon?

American Indian Activism and the Siege of Wounded Knee

Explores American Indian activism in the 1970s.

A man holds a gun and a boy holds a sign that reads, Gas Stealers Beware. We're Loaded For Bear.

The 1973 Oil Crisis and Its Economic Consequences

What led to the shortage of gasoline in 1973?

The Controversy over Busing

How did cities attempt to integrate schools in the 1970s?

César Chávez delivers a speech.

César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and the United Farm Workers

Explores the boycotts and protests of the United Farm Workers.

Jimmy Carter and his wife walk on the street in a parade. Cars follow them. A crowd lines the side of the street.

Jimmy Carter and the “Malaise” Speech

How did the "Malaise" speech impact Carter's presidency?

Jimmy Carter and the Iran Hostage Crisis

Explores the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

Educator Resources

Educator Resource

Chapter 15: 1968-1980 Inquiry Organizer

How did a fracturing of the liberal consensus shape politics and culture between 1968 and 1980?

Educator Resource

Chapter 15 Answer Key

Answer Key for Chapter 15 of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness