JFK and Civil Rights

Question 1

Kennedy was an important figure on Civil Rights because…

Answer 1

-Put pressure on the federal government to employ more African Americans
-Use law courts as a way of enforcing already passed legislation (No Southern court could argue against a law written in print)
-Civil Rights bill 1963
-Robert assists with security on Civil Rights activism
-Protects James Meredith (500 Marshall’s protect him during integration)

Question 2

Kennedy wasn’t an important figure on Civil Rights because

Answer 2

-Needed the votes from the Southern States
-Duty of the states to reform in the area of voting
-Fails to pass Civil Rights Bill in 1963
-More focused on international issues, does not prioritise civil rights
-Openly criticised the Albany Campaign (SNCC: “Sons of bitches”)