1964 – A Year of Change
The year 1964, the setting of our novel, was a time of great political and
social change in our country. The novel alludes to many important events
and people of the time. This activity will provide you with some background
of these events so you can gain a deeper meaning when you read.
DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions using the websites
provided.
Politics
Politics:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1590354/United-Statespresidential-election-of-1964
1. Why was the 1964 election between Lyndon Baines Johnson and
Barry Goldwater so pivotal for the American people?
2. What were two major issues at stake in this election?
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2008/09/17/the-most-consequentialelections-in-history-lyndon-johnson-and-the-election-of-1964
3. How did LBJ sway voters?
4. What was the result of the election?
5. What are some of LBJ’s legacies (good and bad)?
Vietnam War:
http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnam-war-history
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/gulf-of-tonkin
http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/vietnam-war-protests
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/gulf_tonkin_1964.htm
6. Who was involved in the Vietnam War?
7. Why was 1964 a key year in the Vietnam War?
8. What was the main criticism from the American people about the
country’s involvement in the Vietnam War?
Entertainment
Entertainment and music was changing during this time as well. Review the
sites below and answer the following questions. This will give you more
insight as to what was considered entertainment during this time.
Nat King Cole Show:
http://www.classictvinfo.com/TheNatKingColeShow/
9. What was unique about the Nat King Cole show at the time of its
broadcast?
10.How long did this show air and on what network?
11.Why was it canceled?
12.What was the main reason companies were reluctant to sponsor this
show?
13.Who did Nat King Cole compare himself to in this article?
American Bandstand:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/american-bandstandgoes-national
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxrnr-P8plc
14.What audience was American Bandstand trying to reach?
15.In comparison to shows of today, what are some of the striking
differences? (Think deeper than bad hair and awkward dance moves.)
Ed Sullivan Show:
http://www.edsullivan.com/the-beatles-on-the-ed-sullivan-show-onfebruary-9-1964/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC0MEF6d1eU
16.Who appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in February of 1964?
17.What was the affect of this appearance?
18.What show could you compare the Ed Sullivan show to today?
19.Who could you compare the Beatles to today?