Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following describes the main contribution of Betty Friedans 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique?

Rationale

His popularity with the Silent Majority contributed to Richard Nixon's victory in the 1968 presidential election.

Nixon's appeal to the Silent Majority, a term he coined to describe the Americans who were not actively participating in protests or public dissent, resonated with many voters seeking stability and a return to traditional values during a time of social upheaval.

A (It identified restrictive gender roles as a primary cause of dissatisfaction among American women.) CORRECT

Nixon did not align himself with the Great Society programs, which were a hallmark of Lyndon Johnson's presidency. Instead, he often criticized these initiatives, viewing them as too expansive and ineffective, which would not have contributed to his electoral success.

B (It outlined the barriers to womens advancement in professional and corporate careers in the United States.) YOUR ANSWER

The New Frontier initiatives were associated with John F. Kennedy and were not part of Nixon's platform. Nixon aimed to differentiate himself from Kennedy's policies rather than continue them, focusing instead on his own vision for America.

C (It provided the main ideas and theories that would be adopted by the women of the New Right.) YOUR ANSWER

While Nixon did attract some younger voters, his primary support base was not among this demographic. Many young voters were more engaged in counterculture movements and often favored more progressive candidates, making this option less relevant to his victory.

E (It sought to quantify the contribution of the unpaid labor of stay-at-home mothers to the gross domestic product (GDP).) YOUR ANSWER

Although Nixon's eventual diplomatic overtures to China became a significant aspect of his presidency, they were not a major factor in his 1968 campaign. His immediate appeal was more rooted in addressing the concerns of the Silent Majority regarding domestic issues and social unrest.

Conclusion

Richard Nixon's victory in the 1968 presidential election was largely fueled by his support from the Silent Majority, who were seeking reassurance in a turbulent era. While other factors like foreign policy and youth engagement played a role, it was the connection with this demographic that fundamentally defined his campaign and ultimately led to his electoral success.

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