Role of goverments p.3 Flashcards
What was the attitude towards civil rights in the 19th century?
Bad - civil rights were not on the US government’s agenda.
What was the problem with Supreme Court rulings in the early 20th century?
The court lacked enforcement powers. Although it could declare something as unconstitutional, it was up to Congress to bring the decision to reality.
What was Congress’ attitude towards civil rights in the first half of the 20th century?
Not interested in protecting black civil rights. Southern Democrats ensured the defeat of anti-lynching and anti-poll tax bills.
What did Roosevelt do that made him the most sympathetic president US minorities had seen, at that point?
New Deal benefited African Americans without being designed for them.
Established FEPC to promote employment equality in defence industries, but he refused to desegregate the armed forces
Several black advisers, the so called ‘Black Cabinet’
How did the Roosevelt administration impact Hispanic and Native Americans?
Unhelpful to Hispanic Americans
Improved conditions on Native American reserves, and began the restoration of tribal self-government and respect for Native American culture.
Why did Truman put black civil rights on the national agenda?
Decent human being
Northern Democrats wanted to win the black vote
Pressure from black organisations, like NAACP
What actions did Truman take to improve civil rights?
1947 established a civil rights committee that issued a report called ‘To Secure These Rights.’ It called for an end to segregation.
Supreme Court rulings against segregation
Desegregation of the army due to the Korean War
How successful was Truman’s civil rights progress?
Varied.
Jim Crow laws still refined in the South
Congress rejected the legislation proposed in ‘To Secure These Rights’
CGCC was minimally effective, could only recommend not enforce.
Desegregation of the army was a success
What was the key to civil rights progress in the Truman years?
Federal government. Executive and judicial branches pressured by the NAACP. The Third branch (Congress) resisted it.
Was Eisenhower helpful to Native Americans?
No. ‘Terminated’ some reservations and increased government jurisdiction over others. This suggests it was black activism that prompted Eisenhower’s civil rights legislation, he didn’t really care about Native Americans.
What was the key to change during Eisenhower?
Change was prompted by black activism. For example, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and NAACP obtained the 1956 Supreme Court ruling that segregation on transport was unconstitutional.
How did Eisenhower show he was resistant to civil rights change?
Disapproved of Brown vs. Board and only upheld the ruling bc of mob action in 1957 Little Rock.
Refused to condemn white Southern politicians or the murder of Emmet Till.
Refused to condemn Uni of Alabama’s defiance to admit its first African American student.
What are some famous examples of black activism during the Kennedy years?
give dates
Freedom Rides, 61
SNCC voter registration campaign in Mississippi, 60s
Birmingham, 63
March on Washington, 63
What was the Kennedy administration’s response to black activism?
Often unenthusiastic
Robert Kennedy condemned white attacks on black voters during SNCC Mississippi campaign, but also defended federal inactivity.
President Kennedy said SNCC were unnecessarily provocative
For most of the summer 1963 the administration opposed the March on Washington
Why was Kennedy unhelpful to African Americans?
Congressional opposition. For example, Kennedy did nothing to end discrimination in housing (although he had promised to) because he thought Congress would reject more important legislation if he pushed the issue.
White opinion. 70% of Southern whites felt Kennedy was moving too fast on integration.
