September 25, Slides 7- Flashcards
What was the significance of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?
The Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine, legalizing segregation in public facilities.
What was the outcome of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
The Supreme Court overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional and a violation of the 14th Amendment.
Why was the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) significant?
Sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest, the Montgomery Bus Boycott led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, marking a key victory for the Civil Rights Movement.
What happened during the Little Rock desegregation crisis in 1957?
Nine African-American students faced violent opposition when integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, prompting federal intervention by President Eisenhower.
What was the goal of the Birmingham Campaign in April 1963?
The Birmingham Campaign aimed to challenge segregation through nonviolent protests, gaining national attention for the violent response by authorities and galvanizing support for civil rights.
What is the context of King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”?
King wrote the letter in April 1963 while imprisoned for participating in nonviolent protests. It addressed criticisms from white moderates who called for patience in the fight for civil rights.
What does King say about the “white moderate” in his letter?
King criticized the “white moderate” for valuing order over justice, urging them to support immediate action for civil rights rather than asking African-Americans to wait for gradual change.
Why does King argue that breaking the law can be justified?
King argued that breaking unjust laws is morally justified when those laws violate human rights and natural law. He advocated nonviolent civil disobedience to expose and challenge injustice.
When does King say it is acceptable to break the law?
It is acceptable to break the law when the law is unjust, as long as the action is nonviolent, openly done, and accompanied by a willingness to accept the consequences.
What happened during the March on Washington in August 1963?
Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for civil rights and economic justice, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
What was the significance of the Civil Rights Act (1964)?
The Civil Rights Act outlawed segregation in public places, banned employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and strengthened civil rights protections.
What did the Voting Rights Act (1965) achieve?
The Voting Rights Act banned discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes, ensuring African-Americans the right to vote and enforcing the 15th Amendment.
How did the Plessy decision influence the Civil Rights Movement?
The Plessy decision entrenched segregation, making the fight for civil rights necessary to dismantle the systemic inequalities it upheld.
Why was Brown v. Board of Education a turning point?
The Brown decision struck a major blow against institutionalized racism, inspiring further activism and legal challenges to segregation and discrimination.
What strategy did the Montgomery Bus Boycott demonstrate?
The boycott demonstrated the power of economic pressure and collective action as effective tools for challenging segregation and achieving civil rights victories.
