World War II brought several changes to the world and specifically in America. It not only changed the world map but also set an impact on behaviors. WWII played a major role in building turning points during different periods. Before WWII, African Americans were not offered equal rights in the community. It was considered impossible thing that Africans could ever do a white-collar or even a blue-collar job. However, soon after WWII, there came a turning point in the lives of African American with the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
Civil Rights Act 1964 Turning Point in the Lives of African American
The African Americans made hard efforts to achieve the same civil rights that the white Americans had, like voting rights and non-discrimination at organizations. Significant advances were made in the 1920s and 1950s; however, they become successful in achieving their major rights in the 1960s and so considered the major turning point in the history of America. The march by African American in 1963 influenced the behavior of white American and Martin Luther King also added inspirational comments about African Americans in his speech and provided them with the hope of approval of civil rights one year later in 1964, Civil Rights Act was passed.
However, this change of behavior of white Americans was highly influenced by the consequences of WWII too. The continuous efforts of African American and the positive behavior of White Americans also helped in achieving the second biggest target which is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Rules against Inter-racial marriages were also been banned during this era. Therefore the period of the 1960s is considered the most favorable turning point for African American community since they achieved their dream of having Civil Rights and Legal and Political Equality in the region.
Impact of the Civil Rights Act on America's Current Society
Today, it is due to the civil rights act and the voting rights act that African Americans equally enjoy opportunities in the country. Barack Obama is the biggest example of the legal and political equality practiced in America. There are equal employment opportunities and rights given to African Americans as to white people. There is also a high representation of black students in schools and colleges. It is for this reason that Black Americans not only represent the farming jobs but also have entered blue-collar and white-collar jobs. They have their own homes in the urban areas of the US. Though, there is still a low percentage as compared to white Americans much has changed since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Now the young generation doesn't have different views about the black community but there are many examples found of blank and white marriages even.
Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive of 1968 is considered the turning point in the Vietnam War when the combined forces of North Vietnam launched a series of attacks throughout the territory of South Vietnam. Vietnamese call it the War against Americans to save their nation. During this war, about 58,000 US soldiers were killed and 304,000 soldiers wounded. About 1,400,000 Vietnamese were also killed and 2,100,000 wounded.
During this war, America forwarded more than 542,000 of its soldiers to Vietnam but still was unable to crush the Vietnamese. This happened for the first time in the history of America that it was defeated even after bearing such a high cost. America, therefore, decided to withdraw since at one point in Westmoreland, the Army General was not even permitted to send additional 200,000 troops to Vietnam. The US made negotiations with forces of the North Vietnamese and imposed limits on bombing.
Impact of the Tet Offensive on American Current Society
The Vietnam War made far-reaching effects. It changed the entire policies of the US to tackle war situations. Before the Vietnam War, the US was intending to win the war but later after the Tet Offensive, their strategy changed and they started finding a way to get out of Vietnam. The defeat of the Vietnam War created fear in the minds of Americans and it is for this reason that every US President from Ford to Obama whenever get into a situation of war, Vietnam comes to their mind. Vietnam War has a strong impact on the Americans and this changed the entire way of their thoughts. Now instead of winning the war, Americans try to follow the strategy of peace. (Willbanks, 2012)
Moreover, Americans are now usually against the US intervention in a foreign military. According to Newsmax, on August 11, 2011, 75% public was against US military involvement in Libya and only 24% were in support. (Falk, 2011)