Albany to Birmingham

Question 1

Albany Campaign, 1961-1962 (3)

Answer 1

• SCLC organised protests in Albany against segregation
• Laurie Pritchett, local police chief, realised that the protest wanted to generate media attention from the white violence towards black marchers.
• Hence, the police were instructed to treat protestors with respect and no violence occurred, therefore no media coverage.

Question 2

Results of Albany (2)

Answer 2

• Deemed a failure as no meaningful change was created. Over 1000 people were arrested in Albany including MLK
• However, MLK learned from Albany and applied new tactics in Birmingham

Question 3

Birmingham (2)

Answer 3

• SCLC decided to target Birmingham after Albany
• Eugene Connor (police chief) had reacted poorly to the precious freedom rides and MLK believed he would lash out against protest again and that this would cause media coverage.

Question 4

The Birmingham Campaign (5)

Answer 4

• Albert Boutwell approached with a list of grievances which called for an end to segregation
• Demonstrations began on April 3rd with sit-ins and pray-ins
• Connor ensured jails were open
• Court injunction passed that barred demonstrations and barred leaders from taking part
• Letter from Birmingham Jail gained him enormous white support which amplified the cause of the CRM

Question 5

Children’s Crusade (2)

Answer 5

• May 2nd, 1963. Children march in streets and are arrested by police
• Since children were on the frontlines, outrage was created from Americans and the intl. community as media images were shown across the world. Put pressure on segregation to end and for JFK to pass the CRA.

Question 6

Outcomes of Birmingham (3)

Answer 6

• SCLC managed to negotiate the desegregation of Birmingham’s department stores and employment discrimination
• JFK backed a bill to end segregation. CRA tabled in 1964 but signed by LBJ
• Angered SNCC and CORE who believed non-violent strategy was inefficient