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Appalachia in the Sixties: A Decade of Reawakening and Transformation

Ronald Simmons

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The Appalachian region of the United States has a long and complex history, marked by both hardship and resilience. In the 1960s, Appalachia experienced a period of significant transformation, as the region began to emerge from decades of poverty and isolation.

Appalachia in the Sixties: Decade of Reawakening

by David S. Walls

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	280 pages

Poverty and Economic Development

In the 1960s, Appalachia was one of the poorest regions in the United States. Per capita income in Appalachia was less than half the national average, and unemployment rates were consistently high. The region's economy was heavily dependent on coal mining, which was in decline due to automation and the rise of foreign competition.

In response to the region's economic problems, the federal government launched a series of programs aimed at promoting economic development in Appalachia. These programs included the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC),which was established in 1965 to coordinate federal assistance to the region. The ARC funded a variety of projects, including highway construction, job training, and healthcare initiatives.

The ARC's programs had a significant impact on Appalachia's economy. By the end of the 1960s, per capita income in Appalachia had increased by more than 50%, and unemployment rates had declined. However, the region still faced significant economic challenges, and poverty remained a major problem.

Education

Education was another area of focus for the federal government in Appalachia. In the 1960s, the region's schools were chronically underfunded and overcrowded. As a result, many Appalachian children did not have access to a quality education.

In response to this problem, the federal government launched a series of programs aimed at improving education in Appalachia. These programs included Head Start, which provided preschool services to disadvantaged children, and Title I, which provided funding for schools in low-income areas.

The federal government's investment in education had a significant impact on Appalachia. By the end of the 1960s, enrollment rates in Appalachian schools had increased, and test scores had improved. However, the region's schools still faced significant challenges, and educational attainment remained below the national average.

Healthcare

Healthcare was another major challenge facing Appalachia in the 1960s. The region's hospitals were often underfunded and overcrowded, and many Appalachian residents did not have access to basic healthcare services.

In response to this problem, the federal government launched a series of programs aimed at improving healthcare in Appalachia. These programs included Medicare, which provided health insurance to seniors, and Medicaid, which provided health insurance to low-income Americans.

The federal government's investment in healthcare had a significant impact on Appalachia. By the end of the 1960s, the region's hospitals had been upgraded, and more Appalachian residents had access to basic healthcare services. However, the region's healthcare system still faced significant challenges, and infant mortality rates remained high.

Cultural Resurgence

In addition to economic, educational, and healthcare reforms, the 1960s also saw a resurgence of cultural pride in Appalachia. This resurgence was fueled by a number of factors, including the civil rights movement, the anti-Vietnam War movement, and the rise of folk music and literature.

The cultural resurgence of the 1960s had a significant impact on Appalachia. It helped to create a new sense of identity for Appalachian people, and it inspired a new generation of Appalachian artists, writers, and musicians.

The 1960s was a decade of significant transformation for Appalachia. The region began to emerge from decades of poverty and isolation, and a new sense of hope and possibility took hold. However, the region still faced significant challenges, and poverty, educational attainment, and healthcare remained below the national average.

Despite these challenges, the 1960s was a time of great progress for Appalachia. The region's people had begun to take control of their own destiny, and they were determined to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Appalachia in the Sixties: Decade of Reawakening

by David S. Walls

5 out of 5