Campaigns 1962-65

Question 1

Why Birmingham

Answer 1

Knew Bull Connor would react violently, worst cases of segregation, 10% registered to vote, no black civil servants, banned the NAACP.

Question 2

Goals for Birmingham

Answer 2

Organised by the SCLC, targetted segregation shopping areas, admin buildings, schools, public places.

Question 3

Birmingham Campaign

Answer 3

1963 - King arrested for marching. Month later, James Bevel SCLC, young people to join in, imprisoned 1300 children attacked/fire hosed children, media attention. John Kennedy, support for the bill to end segregation.

Question 4

Communists and Birmingham

Answer 4

Embarrassment for America, 1/5 of radio time dedicated to the protest in Soviet Union, American Corruption, soviet superiority.

Question 5

Significance of Birmingham

Answer 5

SCLC and the authorities negotiated desegregation terms. Protestors released, department store desegregated discrimination in employment ended. Greater sympathy for civil rights, Kennedy’s public commitment to civil rights bill

Question 6

Problems with Birmingham

Answer 6

Schools/public places not desegregated. 4 months later KKK bombed Sixteenth Street Baptist Church killing 4 young girls. King and SCLC condemned for using young children in danger.

Question 7

March On Washington

Answer 7

March On Washington, 1963 - NAACP, CORE, SNCC, SCLC organised a march, emancipation proclamation. 20% white, 250,000 people attended, Lincoln memorial.

Question 8

Significance of Washington

Answer 8

Significance of Washington, Significant white support in the march, media attention to the march. Solidified support for the civil rights legislation

Question 9

Mississippi Freedom Summer

Answer 9

Mississippi Freedom Summer, 1964 - CORE, SNCC, NAACP voter registration in Mississ…. 1962 6.2% could vote lowest. 800 volunteers, many white helped blacks to the vote. KKK and police resisted, 30 homes/37 churches firebombed 80 beatings 30 shootings.

Question 10

Significance of the Missi…

Answer 10

Breakdown in relationship with President Johnson, realisation that the political system was racist

Question 11

Selma Campaign

Answer 11

1965 - Ongoing campaign to register black people to vote. 1% could vote Sheriff likely to use violence. SNCC/SCLC involvement. March to Montgomery 1st attempt tear gas whips, 2nd stopped by King/President Johnson.

Question 12

Significance of Selma

Answer 12

Highlighted black registration to vote problems. Media attention was drawn increasing support. Cooperation between CORE, SNCC, SCLC. king stopped the march with Johnson, criticisms, extent to trust federal government.