The role of MLK Flashcards
Introduction
Martin Luther King’s role in the growth of the civil rights movement has long been debated.
Knowledge 1
MLK wanted demonstrations to be peaceful and non-violent but he was often arrested when taking part.
Analysis 1
This led to a development in the civil rights movement as it resulted in national and international publicity and attention to black issues. Many historians believe that King’s work was the most important in terms of the progress made in civil rights.
Knowledge 2
Moreover, MLK chose to protest in one of the most racist towns in the South (Birmingham, Alabama) in 1961 to highlight to the media globally, the discrimination in employment and cultural facilities.
Analysis 2
This led to development in the black civil rights movement as President Kennedy even admitted that Birmingham’s events helped convince him to send the Civil Rights Bill in 1963. Even though this bill was declared too ‘radical’, it was a step in the right direction.
Counter Analysis
However, historians argue that although MLK did pressure and draw attention to Southern black inequalities, he failed to impact and gain support in the North. Urban black people experienced limited progress to their economic and social conditions, and ‘De Facto’ segregation stayed in the 60s, giving reason to the start of violent protesting.
Evaluation
To evaluate, it is clear that the work of MLK had an impact on the development of civil rights, proven by his huge following in the South as well as being part of the reason that President Kennedy put the Civil Rights Bill through to Congress. However, many historians debate his significance compared to other leaders, and many such as Claiborne Carson argue that “If King had never lived, the black struggle would have followed a course of development similar to the one it did.” This argument is enough to tell us that MLK on his own could not have been the most important reason for the development of civil rights.
