The Movements of the New Left, 1950-1975: Introduction

This Movement of the New Left, 1950-1975 was linked and characterized especially by young people advocating for individual dignity as it relates to the realization of full citizenship for all Americans in a variety of struggles centered around Civil Rights, Black Power, Women and Gay Liberation, and most emphatically the anti-Vietnam War Movement. Is this perhaps the most critical movement in American history? I provide historical context to prepare my audience for a deeper dive into the 45 documents that highlight the important ideas and challenges different groups and leaders were confronting. Unlike my podcast series on black history from the same time period (We Shall Overcome), the New Left Movement acknowledges the central importance of the black struggle, but also shows the involvement of many other organizations in the fight for political liberation and revolution.