The Century, America's Time: Starting Over (2 of 3)

Summary

The video explores the aftermath of industrial decline in the U.S., focusing on the toxic waste disaster at Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York. Lois Gibbs became an activist after her children fell ill, leading to the relocation of affected families. The narrative then shifts to the controversial busing for school integration in Boston, highlighting racial tensions and violent clashes. The rise of conservative backlash against liberal policies is also covered, including the assassination of Harvey Milk and the Iranian Revolution, ending with America's nuclear accident at Three Mile Island.

Takeaways

• 🏭 Industries left the Rust Belt, resulting in unemployment and environmental hazards.
• 🛢️ Hooker Chemical in Niagara Falls left behind toxic waste, impacting local residents' health.
• 👩‍🔬 Lois Gibbs discovered her children's illnesses were linked to chemical dumps at Love Canal.
• 🏠 Residents demanded relocation due to health hazards; only some families were initially moved.
• 🚪 Hostage situation led to the eventual relocation of remaining families at Love Canal.
• 🏫 Forced school busing in Boston led to racial tensions and violence in the 1970s.
• 🚍 Resistance to busing caused significant student withdrawals and ongoing conflict.
• 🏳️‍🌈 San Francisco's gay community faced a backlash with the murders of Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk.
• ⚖️ Dan White's lenient sentence for the murders led to riots and increased activism.
• 🙏 The rise of conservative and religious movements in response to societal changes.

Q & A

What was the economic impact of the industries in Niagara Falls, New York?

Industries in Niagara Falls, New York, particularly Hooker Chemical, provided jobs and economic stability for families, ensuring mortgages were paid and children had food and clothing.

What health issues did Lois Gibbs' children develop?

Lois Gibbs' children, Michael and Melissa, developed asthma, epilepsy, liver problems, immune system issues, and skin problems.

What discovery did Lois Gibbs make about the cause of her children's illnesses?

Lois Gibbs discovered that over 20,000 tons of toxic waste from Hooker Chemical were resurfacing in a trench called Love Canal, leading her to realize her children were being poisoned.

What actions did the residents of Love Canal take to address their concerns?

Residents became activists, demanding relocation at state expense. When the state only moved the closest families, remaining residents held federal environmental officials hostage to pressure for a full evacuation.

What was the outcome of the hostage situation at Love Canal?

President Carter declared that residents should be relocated, marking a victory for Lois Gibbs and her neighbors and raising national awareness of toxic waste sites.

What were the consequences of the school busing order in Boston in 1974?

The order to integrate schools through busing led to resistance, violence, and a significant decline in student attendance as many parents refused to bus their children.

What event escalated the conflict at South Boston High School?

The stabbing of a white student, Michael Faith, escalated the conflict, resulting in violent reactions from students and community members.

What led to the backlash against gay rights in San Francisco in 1978?

The backlash was triggered by the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk by anti-gay City Supervisor Dan White.

What was the 'Twinkie defense' used in Dan White's trial?

The 'Twinkie defense' argued that Dan White's temporary insanity was caused by stress and excessive junk food consumption, leading to a reduced sentence.

How did Ayatollah Khomeini's return to Iran affect US-Iran relations?

Ayatollah Khomeini's return led to fervent anti-Americanism, the loss of an important ally, and the labeling of the United States as the 'Great Satan.'

What major nuclear incident occurred in the United States in 1979?

In 1979, America's worst nuclear accident occurred at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, causing a radioactive release.