Chapter 6 - Open City Flashcards
Summarize Chapter 6: Open City.
Chapter 6 focuses on the desegregation of public spaces in Nashville following the sit-ins and other civil rights actions. It details how John Lewis and other activists achieved significant victories in breaking down segregation, making Nashville one of the first Southern cities to become an “open city.” The chapter also explores the broader implications of this success for the civil rights movement.
What does the term “open city” refer to in the context of the civil rights movement?
“Open city” refers to a city where public facilities, such as lunch counters, theaters, and transportation, have been desegregated and are accessible to all races.
How did the desegregation of Nashville impact the broader civil rights movement?
Nashville became a model for nonviolent resistance, demonstrating that disciplined, organized efforts could lead to significant victories against segregation, inspiring activists in other cities.
What role did John Lewis play in Nashville becoming an open city?
Lewis was a key organizer and participant in the sit-ins and other actions that pressured businesses and local leaders to desegregate public spaces.
How did local government and business leaders respond to the desegregation efforts?
Initially resistant, many leaders eventually agreed to desegregate after sustained pressure from protests, boycotts, and the threat of economic consequences.
What strategies were most effective in making Nashville an open city?
Nonviolent resistance, including sit-ins, boycotts, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, proved effective in forcing desegregation.
What was the public reaction to Nashville becoming an open city?
While many celebrated it as a step toward justice, some white residents resisted the changes, and tension persisted in parts of the community.
What challenges did activists face even after Nashville was desegregated?
Activists faced ongoing racism, backlash from segregationists, and the need to sustain momentum for broader changes beyond Nashville.
How did the success in Nashville influence John Lewis’s leadership?
The success bolstered Lewis’s confidence in nonviolence and his ability to lead, preparing him for larger roles in the civil rights movement.
What lessons did the civil rights movement take from Nashville’s desegregation?
The movement learned the importance of organization, perseverance, and the strategic use of nonviolence to create lasting change.
