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The Klu Klux Klan
Forrest Gump's ancestor Nathan Bedford Forrest was a civil war hero who was also the founder of the Klu Klux Klan. There is a scene in the movie that shows a scene from the movie "Birth of Nation" which was extremely controversial due to the fact that it showed members of the KKK as heroes to African Americans.
https://www.history.com/topics/ku-klux-klan -
Elvis Presley
Forrest Gump is seen teaching Presley his later iconic dance move. This relates to the greatest revolutions in Rock and Roll and Pop culture that was influences by artists like Elvis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzQ8GDBA8Is
Key Concept 8.3 IIA -
The Vietnam War
Forrest Gump was enlisted in the Vietnam War. This was a war that begun the end of the Cold War. It was opposed by many Americans which led to many movements by the people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e9GWdT2pEQ
Key Concept 8.1 IB -
Racial Integration at the University of Alabama
Forrest Gump witnesses the racial integration at the University of Alabama. It was a historical event as the governor of Alabama, George Wallace was speaking and he was strictly against it. He was the type of man that would prefer shutting down a school rather than having equality.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/university-of-alabama-desegregated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgbNc-9Di7k
Key Concept 8.2 IC -
Death of JFK
President Kennedy is assassinated after Gump meets him. He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
He advocated for many minorities and it was seen as a turning point in the desire to aquire peace from those who were part of the counterculture. https://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/November-22-1963-Death-of-the-President.aspx -
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson awards Forrest Gump with the medal of honor. He was the 36th president. He took over office when President JFK was assassinated. He was responsible for the Great Society which offered many programs that aided the poor.
Key Concept 8.2 IIIB -
The Black Panther Party
The black panther party was created to advocate for the rights of African Americas. Forrest is seen with Jenny at a black panther party establishment. https://www.history.com/topics/black-panthers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkFgX8xZ65U
Key Concept 8.2 IC -
Hippie Movement
Jenny is seen joining the hippies as part of the counter culture movement. These individuals are seen as a form of rebellion towards the war that nobody really wanted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkZC7sqImaM
Key Concept 8.3 IIA -
The Moon Landing
The Moon Landing is seen on TV. This was an example of the technology race between the Soviet Union and the United States.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgwWycuvx-0 -
Ping Pong Diplomacy
After the Vietnam war, Gump becomes a superb ping pong player and is asked to represent America in the National team. This references the exchange of players between China and the US and is later referred to as the Ping Pong Diplomacy for bettering the relations between China and the US. -
Nixon Resigns
On the television, Nixon is seen resigning. This is due to the historic Watergate Scandal. He is criticized in many ways, such as him being called a "fraud" for the said event. This leads to him resigning as president.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nixon-resigns
Key Concept 8.2 IIIE -
Watergate Scandal
Forrest is seen as the person that called attention to the break in of the Watergate hotel. The Watergate Scandal was the doing of Nixon. He wanted to get a good chance at reelection so his people broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
https://www.history.com/topics/watergate
Key Concept 8.2 III3
