Amidst a backdrop of social and political transformation, A Theory of Justice emerged in 1971, echoing the tumultuous quest for social equity that characterized its era. The late 1960s and early 1970s in America were marked by various movements challenging the very essence of justice and equality within the nation. These movements raised fundamental questions about the nature of a just society, resonating with the themes explored by John Rawls in his seminal work.

The Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights movement was a pivotal force advocating for African-American equality, igniting widespread activism across the United States. Starting in the mid-1950s with significant events like Martin Luther King Jr.’s Montgomery Bus Boycott, the movement battled against entrenched racial segregation. Legislative milestones such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1960 and 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were crucial in dismantling legal barriers to equality. Despite these advances, racial tensions remained high, fueling urban riots between 1965 and 1968 and underscoring the ongoing struggle for racial equity. The tragic assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 marked a somber moment for the movement, yet it continued to inspire parallel efforts among other minority groups, such as Latinos and Native Americans.

The Vietnam War

Amid the domestic upheaval, the Vietnam War served as a polarizing issue, drawing stark lines between government policy and public opinion. The war’s escalation followed the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, with U.S. forces heavily backing South Vietnam against the communist North. Public sentiment shifted dramatically following the 1968 Tet Offensive, which laid bare the complex and grueling nature of the conflict. This shift in perspective led to massive anti-war demonstrations and instances of draft evasion, highlighting the growing dissent against U.S. involvement. The Kent State massacre in 1970, where four students were killed during a protest, exemplified the domestic cost of the war. By 1973, a ceasefire facilitated the withdrawal of American troops, marking the end of a contentious chapter in U.S. history.

The War on Poverty

In tandem with these social movements, the War on Poverty symbolized the federal government’s commitment to addressing economic disparity. Spearheaded by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this initiative sought to bridge economic gaps through substantial legislative actions. The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 aimed to improve living conditions, while the Medicare Bill extended healthcare to the elderly. Additionally, measures such as raising the minimum wage and increasing social security pensions were instrumental in reducing financial inequality. These efforts reflected a broader vision of a "Great Society," striving to uplift the socio-economically disadvantaged through comprehensive reform.

Women’s Liberation

Inspired by the civil rights movement, the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s pursued social justice for women, advocating for equal rights in all societal domains. Known as second wave feminism, this movement distinguished itself from the earlier women’s suffrage campaign by focusing on broader issues such as workplace equality and family roles. It was characterized by consciousness-raising groups that emerged as platforms for women to discuss issues affecting their lives. Influential works like Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex and Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique fueled these discussions. Organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) emerged to tackle systemic gender biases, echoing the movement’s belief that "the personal is political." Through sustained advocacy, the women’s liberation movement enacted significant cultural and legislative changes without resorting to violence.

Gay Pride

Parallel to these movements was the rise of the gay rights movement, which gained momentum following the Stonewall Riots of 1969. This pivotal event in New York City’s Greenwich Village marked the beginning of organized efforts for LGBTQ+ rights. The riots at the Stonewall Inn catalyzed a nationwide movement, emphasizing the demand for recognition and equality. Each year, Gay Pride Week commemorates the Stonewall incident, celebrating the strides made in the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.

Through these diverse movements, the late 20th century in America witnessed a profound re-evaluation of justice, equality, and personal liberty. Each movement addressed distinct yet interconnected facets of societal inequality, reflecting the era’s overarching quest for a just society, much like the philosophical inquiries posed by Rawls in A Theory of Justice.