10 Important Movements You Never Learned About in School
While traditional education often focuses on major wars and political events, it tends to overlook powerful grassroots movements that shaped society. These lesser-known efforts changed culture, politics, and communities in ways that still matter today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
History is filled with transformative movements that rarely appear in textbooks but had lasting influence on civil rights, labor laws, environmental policy, and cultural identity. Many of these were led by everyday people who demanded justice, equity, and progress. Their stories reveal the strength of collective action and the importance of voices often left out of mainstream narratives. Learning about them gives us a more complete and truthful view of how society evolves.
1. The Poor People’s Campaign (1968)
The Library of Congress on Wikimedia
Led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Poor People’s Campaign aimed to fight economic injustice across racial lines. It brought together people of all backgrounds to demand jobs, fair wages, and affordable housing. The movement culminated in a march on Washington and the creation of Resurrection City, a protest camp.
2. The Zapatista Uprising (1994)
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The Zapatista movement began in the Chiapas region of Mexico as a rebellion against neoliberal economic policies and government neglect of Indigenous communities. Led by Subcomandante Marcos, the Zapatistas used both armed resistance and internet communication to spread their message. Their demands included land reform, Indigenous rights, and anti-globalization policies.
3. The Lavender Scare (1950s)
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During the same era as the Red Scare, the U.S. government targeted LGBTQ+ individuals in what became known as the Lavender Scare. Thousands of federal employees lost their jobs due to their perceived sexual orientation. The movement to expose and eliminate these discriminatory practices was an early and often overlooked chapter of LGBTQ+ history.
4. The Chicano Movement (1960s–1970s)
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The Chicano Movement emerged to fight for Mexican-American rights in education, labor, and politics. It addressed issues like school segregation, poor working conditions for farmworkers, and cultural erasure. Activists used protests, walkouts, and art to promote pride and empowerment. Leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta became key figures, though the broader movement included many local efforts.
5. The Disability Rights Movement
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Before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, people with disabilities faced widespread discrimination in housing, employment, and access. Activists organized sit-ins, marches, and legal challenges to demand equal rights and accommodations. One of the most notable actions was the 504 Sit-in, where protesters occupied a federal building for nearly a month. The movement led to landmark legislation and changed how society views accessibility.
6. The Anti-Nuclear Movement (1970s–1980s)
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In response to the growing use of nuclear energy and weapons, citizens across the globe organized protests and advocacy campaigns. The movement questioned the safety of nuclear power and pushed for environmental protection and disarmament. Events like the Three Mile Island incident and Chernobyl disaster fueled public fear and activism.
7. The White Rose Resistance (1942–1943)
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During World War II, a group of German university students formed the White Rose resistance against Nazi propaganda and brutality. They distributed leaflets calling for non-violent opposition and were eventually executed for their actions. Their bravery stood in sharp contrast to the silent majority under Hitler’s regime. The movement is a powerful example of youth-led resistance.
8. The Back-to-the-Land Movement (1960s–1970s)
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This movement encouraged people to leave cities and embrace rural living, self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability. Influenced by anti-consumerism and counterculture ideals, it promoted organic farming, communal living, and alternative energy. Many participants saw it as a rejection of industrial life and a return to nature. It laid the groundwork for today’s homesteading and environmentalist movements.
9. The American Indian Movement (AIM)
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Founded in 1968, AIM sought to address systemic issues faced by Native Americans, including police brutality, broken treaties, and land rights. The group staged protests, occupations, and legal battles to bring attention to their cause. One major event was the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee, which lasted for 71 days. AIM played a critical role in modern Indigenous rights advocacy. Still, its contributions are often overlooked in classroom discussions.
10. The Green Belt Movement (Kenya)
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Started by Wangari Maathai in the 1970s, the Green Belt Movement focused on environmental conservation and women’s empowerment in Kenya. It led to the planting of over 50 million trees and challenged government corruption and deforestation. The movement helped communities reclaim degraded land and earn sustainable incomes. Maathai became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite its global impact, many people have never heard of it.