Significant Social Movements in Global Politics to Know for AP Comparative Government

Significant social movements have shaped global politics by challenging injustices and advocating for rights. From civil rights to environmental activism, these movements reflect the struggle for equality, democracy, and justice across different cultures and historical contexts.

1. Civil Rights Movement (United States)

   • Aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans.
   • Key events include the Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
   • Led to significant legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

2. Women's Suffrage Movement

   • Focused on securing the right to vote for women, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
   • Key figures include Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul.
   • Achieved a major victory with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 in the United States.

3. Anti-Apartheid Movement (South Africa)

   • Aimed to dismantle the system of apartheid, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination.
   • Key figures include Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
   • Led to the end of apartheid in the early 1990s and the establishment of a multiracial democracy in 1994.

4. Indian Independence Movement

   • Aimed to end British colonial rule in India, utilizing nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
   • Key leaders include Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
   • Resulted in India gaining independence in 1947, leading to the partition of India and Pakistan.

5. Arab Spring

   • A series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Arab world beginning in 2010.
   • Key countries involved include Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria.
   • Resulted in varying outcomes, from regime change to ongoing civil wars.

6. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

   • Advocates for the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, focusing on issues like marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws.
   • Key events include the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in various countries.
   • Continues to address ongoing discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals globally.

7. Environmental Movement

   • Focuses on addressing environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and conservation.
   • Key events include the establishment of Earth Day and the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
   • Advocates for sustainable practices and policies to protect the planet for future generations.

8. Labor Rights Movement

   • Aims to improve working conditions, wages, and rights for workers.
   • Key events include the formation of labor unions and strikes, such as the Pullman Strike and the Flint Sit-Down Strike.
   • Led to significant labor legislation, including the Fair Labor Standards Act.

9. Anti-Colonial Movements

   • Movements aimed at ending colonial rule and gaining independence for colonized nations.
   • Key examples include the struggles in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean during the mid-20th century.
   • Resulted in the decolonization of many countries and the establishment of new nations.

10. Pro-Democracy Movements in Eastern Europe

    • Movements advocating for democratic reforms and the end of authoritarian regimes, particularly during the late 20th century.
    • Key events include the Solidarity movement in Poland and the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.
    • Led to the fall of communist governments and the establishment of democratic systems in the region.

11. Black Lives Matter

    • A movement advocating against systemic racism and violence towards Black individuals, particularly in the United States.
    • Gained prominence following the deaths of individuals like Trayvon Martin and George Floyd.
    • Focuses on issues such as police brutality, racial profiling, and social justice.

12. #MeToo Movement

    • A movement against sexual harassment and assault, particularly in the workplace.
    • Gained widespread attention in 2017, encouraging individuals to share their experiences.
    • Aims to raise awareness and promote accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence.

13. Tiananmen Square Protests (China)

    • A pro-democracy movement in 1989 that called for political reform and greater freedoms.
    • Key event was the large-scale protests in Tiananmen Square, which drew international attention.
    • Ended violently with a government crackdown, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests.

14. Iranian Revolution

    • A 1979 revolution that led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic Republic.
    • Key figures include Ayatollah Khomeini and various leftist groups.
    • Resulted in significant changes to Iranian society, governance, and international relations.

15. Mexican Student Movement of 1968

    • A movement advocating for political and social reforms, culminating in protests against government repression.
    • Key event was the Tlatelolco massacre, where government forces killed students.
    • Highlighted issues of authoritarianism and the demand for democratic rights in Mexico.