Political opposition to desegregation

Question 1

What were federal oppositions to civil rights?

Answer 1

• civil rights act was opposed by some southern members of congress
• Dixiecrats had strong views about keeping segregation
• Presidents needed Dixiecrat support in congress so had to take on board their views when creating laws. They feared that Dixiecrats would disrupt the government

Question 2

What was state opposition to civil rights?

Answer 2

• Southern governors and local state mayors ensured there was strong opposition to civil rights movement and desegregation

Question 3

What are some types of resistance?

Answer 3

• shutting down state schools so they can’t be integrated
• school admission tests biased against black students
• some states refused to end literacy tests and continued to disrupt opportunities for black voters to cast their vote at elections

Question 4

How many members did the WCC have in mid 1950s?

Answer 4

60,000

Question 5

How did the WCC stop calls for desegregation?

Answer 5

• by economic means
• sacked black employees who signed petitions or were involved in civil rights activities