Eisenhower Flashcards
Jim Crow laws
Were reinforced by violence and permitted and often required segregated bathrooms, drinking fountains, parks, restaurants, and other public spaces
Plessy vs. Ferguson
1896, reinforced segregation (equal but separate)
Brown vs. Board of education
1954, Half century after Plessy vs. Ferguson, court ruled “separate but equal” had no validity in public schools. Also declared segregation in public schools “inherently unequal” and unconstitutional.
Brown 2
1955, court ordered schools to desegregate “with all deliberate speed”
Natural rights philosophy (Locke and Monty)
the color blind nature of the constitution
but the decision was also criticized by some for not relying on strict constitutional principles and depending too heavily on social science
10th amendment- federalism (shared power between state and gov.)
Many saw the decision as an infringement on powers reserved to the states under the constitution
10th (federalism, shared power between state and gov.) and 14th (gate way, gov. interference) amendments
Eisenhower’s view on the Brown case and desegregation
was among those who had reservations about the decision, believed schools were the wrong place to begin desegregating American society, but would be more prudent to begin with places like parks and restaurants. Eisenhower believed changes to traditional social practices could not be imposed by law, but had to come from the people themselves. despite his personal belief, he performed his duty ensuring the laws were faithfully executed by enforcing desegregation in schools and other public facilities in DC
Institution vs. People
Democracies need both, they both drive change
Little Rock school board
Developed plan to start integration in 1957-58 school year, federal district court ordered it to begin
Central High School
9 African American students enrolled. Segregationists threatened to protest. Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered the state’s national guard to the school to “keep order” but in fact guard members blocked African American students from entering the school
Federal district court ordered Governor Faubus to withdraw the guard, which he did
Federal power always supreme over state
2nd try
3 weeks later the African American students tried again but this time with a Police escort. Went in the back door to avoid angry mob that had once again gathered.
Mob on try 2
When the 9 African American students came back to school 3 weeks later the mob returned with them, African American journalists who had come to cover the event were attacked, protesters soon forced their way into the building. Police escorted the students out for their own safety. the protesters didn’t want the world to know what they were doing.
Mayor of Little Rock begging the President for help
The Mayor of Little Rock sent President Eisenhower a telegram describing what had accrued at Central High School that day, concluding with a suggestion “if the Justice Department desires to enforce the orders of the federal court in regard to integration in this city, the city police will be available to lend such support as you may require.” Less than 24 hours later the Mayor sent another telegram to the President, telling of a violent mob larger than before, this time begging for help and requesting that federal troops be sent in.
Eisenhower’s response to the Mayor of Little Rock’s pleads for help
Eisenhower hated the idea of using federal troops against Americans. However, believed that his constitutional duty to enforce law was in his words “inescapable”. His decision was that result of reflection and discussion with advisors. handwritten notes show he was concerned with protecting the image of the US as a nation committed to rule of law (Monty). Troops would be there “NOT to enforce integration, but to prevent opposition by violence to orders of a court.” He and his attorney general discussed similar events from American history. Finally he reasoned that federalizing the Arkansas National Guard and sending the army to little rock to enforce court order would prevent pitting “brother against brother”
Why was Executive Order 10730 created
Eisenhower issued a proclamation ordering the mob around the school to “disperse” but again the mob returned. The next day Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10730.
Executive Order 10730
authorized military force “for the removal of obstruction of justice … with respect to matters relating to enrollment and attendance at public schools in the Little Rock School District, Little Rock, Arkansas.
