The Civil Rights Movement

In this 1896 case, the Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” laws did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal treatment under the law.

(a)  

A seamstress and NAACP officer who was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.

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Nine African American students who volunteered to integrate Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957.

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A 1954 case in which the Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” education for black and white students was unconstitutional.

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How did the events of WWII set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement?

Answer explanation

The labor shortage opened up new job opportunities for African Americans.

Many African American soldiers returned from the war determined to fight for their own freedom now that they had helped defeat fascist regimes overseas.

During the war, Civil Rights Organizations actively campaigned for African American voting rights and challenged Jim Crow laws.

First African American Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1967 by Lyndon Johnson.

(a)  

What were Jim Crow Laws and how were they applied?

Answer explanation

Jim Crow Laws, passed in the South, were aimed at separating the races.

Application of these laws included separate schools, streetcars and public restrooms.

Iconic Civil Rights Leader, who, in 1955 was elected to lead the Montgomery Improvement Association to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

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Martin Luther King joined with ministers and civil rights leaders in 1957 to found this organization, their goal was to work for civil rights through nonviolent means.

(a)  

Answer explanation

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

What were the roots of Martin Luther King, Jr’s beliefs in nonviolent resistance?

Answer explanation

“Soul Force”

King’s beliefs were rooted in Jesus’ teachings to love one’s enemies,

Henry David Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience,

A. Philip Randolph’s techniques for organizing massive demonstrations,

Gandhi’s use of nonviolent resistance.