Paper 1 - Civil Rights Flashcards
What was Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and why was it significant?
The Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). This case challenged the “separate but equal” doctrine and fueled massive resistance in the South, leading to events like the Little Rock Nine crisis (1957) where federal troops had to enforce desegregation.
How did Browder v. Gayle (1956) impact segregation?
This Supreme Court case declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional, following the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956). It marked a major legal victory for the Civil Rights Movement, proving that nonviolent protest could lead to legal change.
What was the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956), and why was it important?
Sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest, this 381-day boycott was organized by the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) and led by MLK Jr.. It was the first large-scale nonviolent protest, proving economic pressure could force change, leading to the desegregation of buses.
What were the Greensboro Sit-ins (1960), and how did they influence the movement?
Four Black students in North Carolina sat at a segregated lunch counter and refused to leave. Their peaceful protest spread across the country, leading to the formation of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and pressuring businesses to integrate.
What were the Freedom Rides (1961), and why were they significant?
Black and white activists from CORE and SNCC rode interstate buses into the segregated South to challenge Boynton v. Virginia (1960), which ruled segregation in bus terminals illegal. Riders faced brutal attacks in Anniston and Birmingham, Alabama, forcing the federal government to enforce desegregation in bus terminals.
Why was the March on Washington (1963) significant?
Organized by MLK and civil rights groups, over 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial, where MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. The march helped pressure President Lyndon B. Johnson to pass the Civil Rights Act (1964).
What happened on Bloody Sunday (1965), and what was its impact?
Civil rights activists marching from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights were attacked by police on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. National outrage led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act (1965), ending discriminatory voting practices.
What did the Civil Rights Act (1964) achieve?
The most important civil rights law, it banned segregation in public places, prohibited racial discrimination in employment, and gave the federal government enforcement power.
What did the Voting Rights Act (1965) accomplish?
It eliminated literacy tests and voter suppression tactics. Within five years, Black voter registration in the South increased from 6% to 60%.
How did Malcolm X’s views differ from MLK’s?
Malcolm X initially rejected nonviolence and called for Black nationalism and self-defense. After his Hajj to Mecca in 1964, his views shifted toward racial unity, but he was assassinated in 1965.
What was the purpose of the Black Panther Party (1966)?
Founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, the group opposed police brutality and provided community programs (free breakfast, healthcare). Unlike MLK’s movement, they promoted armed self-defense.
