Descriptive Summary
Administrative Information
Historical Note
Scope and Content
Descriptive Summary
Title: UCLA Students. Student Activism materials.
Date (inclusive): 1927-1986.
Record Series number: 259
Creator:
UCLA University Archives.
Extent:
13 boxes (5.4 linear feet)
Abstract: Record Series 259 contains materials related to student activism at UCLA including handouts, small posters, and protest literature.
Topics include: anti-facism; anti-Vietnam War; peace activism; Angela Davis; African American (Black) Studies; and Chicano/a
Studies.
Language: Finding aid is written in
English.
Language of the Material:
Materials are in English.
Repository:
University of California, Los Angeles. University Archives.
Los Angeles, California 90095-1575
Physical location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library Special Collections
for paging information.
Administrative Information
Access
Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library
Special Collections for paging information.
Publication Rights
Copyright of portions of this collection has been assigned to The Regents of the University of California. The UCLA University
Archives can grant permission to publish for materials to which it holds the copyright. All requests for permission to publish
or quote must be submitted in writing to the UCLA University Archivist.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], UCLA Students. Student Activism materials. (Record Series Number 259). UCLA Library Special Collections,
University Archives, Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA.
Historical Note
The 1930s were the highpoint for American student activism until the emergence of the New Left in the 1960s. During thirties
a greater percentage of the student population was invovled in political activities than at any other, including the 1960s.
Fueling this activity were several developments: the social and economic conditions of the Depression era; reaction to the
rise of fascism in Europe; and political repression at home, particularly against Leftist groups. Leadership of campus activism
in the 1930s typically came from the ranks of the Communist or Socialist parties - groups such as the National Student League
and the American Student Union. However, on the whole, the ideological convictions of these groups did not have a deep impact
on the rank and file. Students lacked faith in capitalislm, but this disillusionment did not translate into a coherent program
committed to overthrowning the System. The 1930s witnessed little opposition to the social norms of the time or rebellion
against middle class values. Although freedom of speech and academic freedoms were issues on occasion, educational reform
was never a major concern. Neither were civil rights for Black and other minorities. Far and away, the major issue of the
1930s was the threat of war; antiwar activism dominated the campuses.
Scope and Content
Record Series 259 contains materials related to student activism at UCLA including handouts, small posters, and protest literature.
Topics include: anti-facism; anti-Vietnam War; peace activism; Angela Davis; African American (Black) Studies; and Chicano/a
Studies.
This is an active record series; additional University records are expected to be added.