US History II

This week we look at America in turmoil, practically at the point of civil war – the years 1965-1975. The nonviolent civil rights movement fractured into multiple movements, marked by standoffs, sit-ins, protests, assassinations, violence, riots, and new directions: black/red/brown power, radical feminism, student movements and anti-war protests. By the end of this week, we will witness the United States convulsed by violence, torn by war, and deeply disillusioned by scandal and constitutional crisis in Richard Nixon’s White House. It’s a week to look at some of America’s toughest times.

Monday 11/15 – the reading is documents from FTR (347-362), but you should definitely review the textbook’s coverage of the Vietnam War so that you have the basic outline in your head. We’ll discuss the war under Kennedy and Johnson, and the way it’s been remembered in film and public memorials.

Wednesday 11/17 – Chapter 35 in ANH, “Rebellion and Reaction” – including the tumultuous year of 1968

Friday 11/19 – the Vietnam War in the 1970s, including Nixon’s decision to widen the war to neighboring Laos and Cambodia, the Kent State shooting, and the Watergate crisis

On Friday, we wound down a weeklong “workshop” in which you each had the chance to set individualized learning goals and work towards something that you felt was important for you to learn about the civil rights movement(s). Some folks worked individually, while others collaborated or produced knowledge-sharing artifacts to share with the class as a whole. Take advantage of these resources!

Handout: Key People in the Fight for African American Equality (Emily C.)

Group-authored Timeline on the Civil Rights Movement using Dipity (Karol P.)

Nice work everyone! There may be a few more handouts/timelines trickling in next week; if you made something to share try to get it to me over the weekend or in class on Monday.

Next week our class sessions will return to a more traditional format, but I hope you’ll sustain the energy you felt this week and stay curious about aspects of the 1960s especially where you feel your knowledge might have gaps.

Earlier versions of the syllabus incorrectly listed the “final” exam (Exam #4) for Friday the 17th of December.

The correct date & time is WEDNESDAY, Dec 15 at 8:30 am.

I have corrected both the course Google calendar and the syllabus PDF.