Civil Rights - Depth Study - Malcolm X and Black Power

Question 1

Malcolm X (1925-65) Background and Strategies

Answer 1

• Leading member of NOI
• Argued for Pride in AA heritage
• Focused on Socio-Economic Change
• Self Defence

Question 2

Ideas and trends of the Black Power Movement

Answer 2

• Hated involvement of Whites
• Anti-Colonialism theories
• Interest in Garvey’s ideas
• Riots in 1965

Question 3

Gains of the Black Power Movement

Answer 3

• Aimed on spreading Wider consciousness of Black Culture and Heritage
• Greater idea of culture and money
• ‘Black is Beautiful’
• 1968 Olympics Black Power Fist
• Promote rights of AA

Question 4

Limitations of the Black Power Movement

Answer 4

• Divisions between races increased
• Weakened support due to violent tactics
• MLK opposed
• Government dealt with riots and radical leaders

Question 5

Black Power Gains on Labour Unions

Answer 5

• Movement allowed TU to abandon any racism within organisations
• Can argue that Economic Oppo Act 1964 may have been influenced by movement - funds available to train people and increase employment
• Movement helped focus attention on poverty - influenced Johnson’s ‘great society’ to reduce employment
• may have encouraged affirmative action (Nixon’s policy)

Question 6

Black Power Limitations on Labour Unions

Answer 6

• Violent acts of BP movement caused opposition to party by WA and also some AA
• Further divisions due to BP focusing on differences of AA and WA
• greater concern for poverty of AA then advancing labour rights
• BP movement created more division between AA and TU as focused on Black solidarity rather then work unity

Question 7

Influence of Black Power Movement on NA

Answer 7

• American Indian Movement influenced by BP
• African Americans might be influencing NA in tribes, increased unity
• BP tactics may have persuaded NA to stop peaceful tactics

Question 8

Why was the Red Power Movement not dependent on Black Power

Answer 8

• Native American already had successes eg Indian Claims Commision
• Miliantism was already present

Question 9

Positive Impact of Black Power Movement on Women

Answer 9

• Many women proud of their culture (hair, clothes)

- Lots of women in black power movement as male leaders killed, imprisoned eg Elaine Brown

Question 10

Negative Impact of Black Power Movement on Women

Answer 10

-Traditional male attitudes impeded rise of women, given supporting roles
-feminism saw as ‘white womens thing’
-Violence saw as male orientated
-Local activism consisted of house roles
+ Saw their movement and was inspired by it