Question

which statement best describes the backlash to the civil rights movement in the 1980s?

a. many white americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement hadnt been met, but that the government had bigger issues to deal with.
b. many white americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement hadnt been met and that the government needed to do more.
c. many white americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement had been met and no further action by the government was needed.
d. many white americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement had been met and that the government should promote civil rights in other countries.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the 1980s

Using the New Right and Social Conservatism knowledge points, we examine the political shift in the United States during the late 1970s and 1980s. This era saw a growing conservative movement that pushed back against the expansion of federal social programs and civil rights enforcement, such as affirmative action and busing.

Evaluate the nature of the backlash

A significant portion of the conservative backlash was characterized by the belief that the legal and legislative goals of the civil rights movement (such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965) had already been successfully achieved. Consequently, many white Americans argued that systemic racial discrimination was largely resolved and that further government intervention, race-conscious policies, or federal programs were unnecessary and constituted "reverse discrimination."

Assess the given options

• Option A suggests white Americans believed goals were unmet but the government had bigger issues. This does not align with the mainstream conservative backlash, which argued that legal equality had already been achieved.
• Option B suggests they believed goals were unmet and the government needed to do more, which is the opposite of a conservative backlash.
• Option C states that many white Americans believed the goals of the civil rights movement had been met and no further government action was needed. This directly aligns with the prevailing sentiment of the conservative backlash during this period.
• Option D suggests a focus on promoting civil rights in other countries, which was not a defining feature of the domestic backlash.

Answer:

• (A) Many white Americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement hadn't been met, but that the government had bigger issues to deal with.
• (B) Many white Americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement hadn't been met and that the government needed to do more.
• (C) Many white Americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement had been met and no further action by the government was needed. (Correct answer)
• (D) Many white Americans believed that the goals of the civil rights movement had been met and that the government should promote civil rights in other countries.