Detailed Discussion Questions (4 Questions)

1. Many would argue that the social moods of the 1970s and 1980s were a complete 180 degrees from those of the 1960s. Review the article from manythings.org called “1970s and ’80s Were a Period of Change in American Society.”

Would you consider the 1970s and 80s a time of selfish endeavors? Why or why not?

Consider how many social movements had met their goals. Do you think this sense of an ending to struggle was a reason why people tended to focus on themselves for a change? Why or why not?

Why was there such an increase in college enrollments at this time?

2. Women were trying to push back against inequality during the 1970s and 1980s. In particular, they fought for equal pay and gender equality in the workplace. View the NBC Learn videos Homemakers for the ERA and Women March on Washington in Support of Equal Rights Amendment.

How did women during this time try to change the social norms?

Do you think these women were successful? Why or why not?

Why was there still inequality at this time?

3. The Soviet Union had been in a Cold War with the United States for over forty years, and various “scrimmages” had led to a stressful relationship. The constant threat of the war going “hot” and the possibility of an atomic war ended with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Without the fall of the Soviet Union, would the Cold War have ended?

What led to the fall of the Soviet Union?

How can the US learn from the Soviet Union’s mistakes?

4. The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 shook the United States to the core as we realized that we could be attacked. Memories of Pearl Harbor reverberated through the generation that had lived through it, and for the first time, young and old could understand what it was like to be vulnerable.

Describe the 9/11 attacks and the reasons for the specific targets that the terrorists picked.

How did President Bush initially respond?

After the initial shock subsided, how did the citizens of the United States respond?