The United States has a long history of activists seeking social, political, economic, and other changes to America along with a history of other activists trying to prevent such changes. American activism covered a wide range of causes and utilized many different forms of activism. American sociopolitical activism became especially prominent during the period of societal upheaval which began during the 1950s. The African American civil rights movement led the way, soon followed by a substantial anti-war movement opposing American involvement in the Vietnam War, and later by vigorous activism involving women's issues, gay rights, and other causes. The United States remains a land of nearly constant change, and activists play a significant role in the ongoing evolution of American democracy. It seems likely that Americans will remain enthusiastic activists in the future. This exhibition is part of the Digital Library of Georgia.
This is a remix to include visuals within the TOC. Original at https://goopenva.org/courses/activism-in-the-us
As a teacher, I would use this as an online chapter to be read and consumed by the students on their own, with a socratic discussion to follow. This could also be a lead up to a project where the students choose on of the historical activism to expand on in their own civic duties.
University of Georgia Libraries. Activism in the US. Digital Public Library of America. April 2013. https://dp.la/exhibitions/activism.
