Martin Luther Kings Last Campaigns Flashcards
Why did King focus on the North
Civil rights act desegregated the South, did very little to the North. Little segregation, more racial discrimination in social and economic forms.
Moynihan Report
1965 - Economic position of black people. High levels of crime/poor living conditions. Hoped to promote equality, report blamed black people for their economic problems, incapable of helping themselves.
Significance of the Moynihan Report
Significance of the Moynihan Report, Created further tension between the liberal politicians like Johnson and black radicals. Used by whites to argue against government help.
The Chicago Freedom Movement
The Chicago Freedom Movement , 1966 - SCLC and CCCO, Kings first in the North. Hot day fire hydrants police came riot started. Target housing, 1000 police unable to deal white protestors. Forced to negotiate Mayor Daley, re-election promises of housing ignored
King’s quote on Chicago
King’s quote on Chicago - I have never seen even in Mississippi and Alabama mobs as hostile as I have seen in Chicago
Significance of Chicago
Significance of Chicago, Criticisms of King, lost faith in SCLC. Misjudged situation in the North. Lost connection with Johnson, revealed scale of black problems, change segregation with laws, this required finance, Vitenam
The Poor Peoples Campaign
The Poor Peoples Campaign, 1968 - Coalition of all races, Italian, Irish, Puerto Rican ect. Campaign together for better standard of living. Johnson didn’t support the plans, Vietnam war created divisions/diverted resources, raise money themselves.
Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike
1968 - Refused to recognise the workers union, tear gas, King asked to help. Economic goals increase income. Marchers started to riot/loot, reporting King lead a violent march. King was assassinated.
Significance of his assassination
Symbol of civil rights movement, Johnson day of mourning. Violence broke out across America 130 cities 29 states.
