HIST-2050 6-2 SOCIAL MOVEMENT ESSAY

INTRODUCTION TO HIST-2050 6-2 SOCIAL MOVEMENT ESSAY

This HIST-2050 6-2 Social Movement Essay assignment involves writing a comprehensive essay about two social movements, including their characteristics, development, and outcomes. You will also reflect on how these movements connect and the broader implications of social movements as forces for change. This Owlisdom HIST-2050 6-2 Social Movement Essay guide provides a structured outline and detailed instructions to help you craft a well-organized and insightful essay.

Describe the characteristics that define this social movement.

FIRST SOCIAL MOVEMENT

Characteristics of the Movement

• Describe the main features, goals, and ideologies of the movement.

Example

One intriguing social movement that has resonated globally is the Environmental Movement. Its inception dates back to the conservation efforts of the early 20th century, but it gained significant momentum in the 1960s and 1970s with a growing public awareness of humanity’s impact on the planet. The movement is characterized by a broad array of actions and ideologies centered around conserving natural resources, curbing pollution, protecting habitats, and fostering sustainable practices.

Create a timeline or brief outline of the development of your chosen social movement. This can be as simple as a bulleted list.

Timeline of Development

• Provide a brief outline or timeline of key events.

Example

The Environmental Movement’s timeline highlights pivotal moments that have shaped its trajectory:

• 1962: The publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” raised awareness about the dangers of pesticide use, particularly DDT, and its harmful effects on wildlife and human health (Jayashabari, n.d.). Carson’s work is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement by exposing the unintended consequences of chemical pollution.

• 1970: The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States on April 22, mobilizing millions of people and sparking widespread environmental activism. The event highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection and led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of landmark environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

• 1987: The Brundtland Report, formally titled “Our Common Future,” introduced the concept of “sustainable development,” defining it as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Borowy, 2021). The report significantly influenced global environmental policy and discourse.

• 1992: The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was a major international conference that led to key agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. These agreements laid the groundwork for future international environmental treaties.

• 2015: The Paris Agreement, a pivotal global accord, was adopted to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions. The agreement brought together nearly all the world’s nations in a commitment to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to keep it below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Do you agree with the outcome of this movement? If not, what solutions would you recommend to address the issue?

Personal Agreements and Recommendations

• Discuss whether you agree with the outcomes and provide recommendations if applicable.

Example

I agree with many outcomes of the Environmental Movement, especially its role in raising awareness and shaping policies that aim to reduce human impact on the environment. The movement has been instrumental in advancing legislation and international agreements that have curbed pollution, protected endangered species, and promoted sustainable development. However, the movement still faces significant challenges, particularly in enforcing global agreements and motivating countries to meet their environmental protection commitments (Aguila, 2020). My recommendation is for a more stringent, binding international regulatory framework that holds nations accountable for environmental degradation, coupled with stronger local actions and incentives for green technologies.

Select a second social movement from the course resources. Describe the characteristics that define this social movement.

SECOND SOCIAL MOVEMENT

Characteristics of the Movement

• Describe the main features, goals, and ideologies of the movement.

Example

Another pivotal social movement is the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, which sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and secure legal recognition of their rights as citizens.

Create a timeline or brief outline of the development of your chosen social movement. This can be as simple as a bulleted list.

Timeline of Development

• Provide a brief outline or timeline of key events.

Example

The Civil Rights Movement’s timeline is marked by key events that catalyzed change:

• 1954: The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling declared school segregation unconstitutional, challenging the legality of the “separate but equal” doctrine and paving the way for desegregation.

• 1955-1956: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white person, was a seminal event that highlighted the economic power and solidarity of the African American community (Klein, 2024). The boycott lasted over a year and resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

• 1963: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. King’s eloquent articulation of his vision for racial equality and justice inspired millions and solidified his leadership in the movement.

• 1964: The Civil Rights Act was passed, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment practices and public accommodations. The landmark legislation marked a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement.

• 1965: The Voting Rights Act was passed, aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting. It outlawed literacy tests and other discriminatory practices that had disenfranchised African American voters, ensuring greater political participation and representation.

Identify an artifact associated with this second movement and describe its significance.

Significant Artifact

• Identify and describe an artifact associated with the movement.

Example

An artifact of significant importance from the Civil Rights Movement is Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The speech not only encapsulated the hopes and demands of the movement but also became a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice, inspiring generations worldwide (Kelley, 2022). King’s powerful oratory and the imagery he invoked continue to resonate as a call for ongoing efforts toward racial equality.

Describe how the second movement connects or intersects with the first movement. What do the two movements have in common? What is different about them?

COMPARISON AND CONNECTION BETWEEN THE MOVEMENTS

• Discuss common goals and strategies used by both movements.
• Highlight key differences in their focus and methods.

Example

Both the Environmental and Civil Rights Movements share commonalities in their fight for justice and their use of grassroots mobilization to achieve their goals. Both movements have leveraged the power of collective action and public demonstrations to press for changes in policy and public attitudes. However, they diverge in their focus; while the Civil Rights Movement is centered on social and legal inequalities based on race, the Environmental Movement deals with global stewardship and the responsible management of the Earth’s resources.

Reflect on your understanding of social movements as a force for historical change. Has your thinking about social movements changed? Why or why not?

REFLECTION ON SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

• Reflect on how your perception of social movements has evolved.
• Discuss the broader implications of these movements.

Example

Reflecting on social movements as a force for historical change, my understanding has deepened regarding their capacity to mobilize people, influence policies, and create enduring societal shifts. Previously, I viewed these movements as isolated episodes in history. Now, I see them as interconnected waves of ongoing struggles that shape our world, underscored by a shared pursuit of equity and sustainability. These movements demonstrate that persistent and collective efforts can lead to significant progress and societal transformation.

Conclude with a summary of how what you learned in this course may assist you in the future at school, at work, or in your community.

CONCLUSION

• Recap the main arguments and insights discussed in the essay.
• Reflect on how the knowledge gained will assist you in future endeavors.

Example

In conclusion, learning about these movements in this course has enriched my perspective on the power of collective human action. The knowledge is invaluable not only academically but also practically, as it equips me to engage more effectively in community and workplace initiatives. Understanding the dynamics of social movements enhances my ability to participate in and lead efforts that advocate for positive change, whether in environmental policies, workplace equality, or community development, aligning with the broader goals of justice and sustainability.

REFERENCES

Aguila, Y. (2020). A global pact for the environment: The logical outcome of 50 years of international environmental law. Sustainability, 12(14), 5636.

Borowy, I. (2021). The social dimension of sustainable development at the UN: From Brundtland to the SDGs. In The Struggle for Social Sustainability (pp. 89–108). Policy Press. https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/display/book/9781447356127/ch005.xml 

Jayashabari, S. (n.d.). The Power of Words: How Silent Spring Sparked The American Environmental Movement Through Debate and Diplomacy. In Women in a Global World, Edition III: Empowerment and Challenges (pp. 5–13). Transnational Press London. Retrieved July 19, 2024, from https://www.ceeol.com/search/chapter-detail?id=1119859 

Kelley, R. D. (2022). Freedom dreams: The black radical imagination. Beacon Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=4ixeEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR2&dq=I+Have+a+Dream%22+speech+not+only+encapsulated+the+hopes+and+demands+of+the+movement+but+also+became+a+symbol+of+the+struggle+for+equality+and+justice&ots=YES62JI-Di&sig=pwyz0wO1jSairA7wRxJKoa2sueo 

Klein, J. (2024). A Quartet of Consequence: Randolph, Rustin, Baker & Levison & The Movement They Made. https://scholarworks.umb.edu/masters_theses/842 

CLOSING

By following this Owlisdom guide for HIST-2050 6-2 Social Movement Essay, you will create a well-structured and insightful essay that effectively analyzes and compares two significant social movements. Your writing should be reflective, evidence-based, and articulate, providing a clear understanding of the impact and significance of these movements in shaping historical change. You can also read HIST-2050 complete modules to ace the course!