Why the Civil Rights campaign developed after 1945 Flashcards
What was the experience of black servicemen after ww2?
Double V Campaign - During the war FDR criticised Hitler, calling him a racist etc. many viewed this as hypocritical due to the treatment of blacks in America.
Segregation occurred in the army with soldiers serving, sleeping and eating separately.
Why was the experience of black servicemen important?
Blacks who had fought for their country were angered which caused civil rights leaders to demand full recognition of blacks in the workplace and military. Leading blacks to call for ‘Double V Campaign’ - victory at war and for civil rights.
Why was the experience of black servicemen limited?
The Double V Campaign was only relevant for blacks who had fought in the war and did not help children or women gain their civil rights.
How did prejudice and discrimination continue?
The Montgomery Bus Boycott occurred after Rosa Parks, a black woman refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus and was arrested.
As a result blacks in Montgomery boycotted the buses, causing the company to file bankruptcy and the buses were de-segregated.
Why was the continuation of predjudice and discrimination important?
It highlighted the economic power of the black community. Blacks accounted for 70% of trade which meant companies relied on blacks to have a successful business.
The power the Church and civil right groups was demonstrated due to their commitment to non violent methods such as boycotting.
It encouraged blacks to further challenge supremacy groups.
Why was the continuation of prejudice and discrimination limted?
There was still segregation in other areas such as theaters and poolrooms. Rosa Parks received many death threats and was forced to leave Montgomery, it became harder for blacks to find employment in the area.
What black organisations were formed?
NAACP - had little impact before the war. Post war members were involved in every key protest and took responsibility for the Supreme Court decision to de-segregate schools.
CORE and SNCC - organised protests such as sit ins to gain publicity.
SCLC - Organised by MLK dedicated to non violence and built a platform of anti-segregation.
Why was the formation of black organisations important?
The actions of the freedom fighters gained support for the movement due to the publicity they gained during their non-violent protests. The global media shared the news, affecting the nation’s global image which encouraged the government to take action.
Why was the formation of black organisations limited?
Some leaders such as Stokely Carmichael believed that peaceful protests were a slow way of achieving civil rights and that blacks should be prepared to defend themselves. MLK’s peaceful methods were criticised as the Sumpreme Court was ingnoring them
What role did Martin Luther King play?
MLK is the most famous civil rights leader.
Many claim his commitment to non-violence epitomised what gaining civil rights was about and he brought international coverage to the movement with his mesmorising speeches, which contridicted the violent methods of white segregationists.
His ‘Letter From a Birmingham Jail’ brought further sympathy to the movement as it sold over 200,000 copies.
Why was MLK’s role important?
He helped to make legal and political changes in the South as well as gaining federal support from many presidents and the media. He played the political agenda from a non-violent stance, gaining mass sympathy from whites and Northern Blacks.
How was the role of MLK limited?
His commitment to non-violent tactics eventually lost him support when more radical groups grew support. To urban blacks, MLK appeared out of touch with reality and experiences of Northern blacks. His tactics seemed weak and ineffective which is why the NAACP and black panthers grew support.
Who were the black leaders which emerged?
After WW2 more radical civil rights groups emerged in Northern cities due to a lack of progress with MLK’s peaceful tactics. SNCC, Black Panthers and Nation of Islam grew under the leadership of Malcom X and Stockely Carmicheal, these men disregraded MLK calling him the ‘tool of the white man’ and they claimed blacks should not campaign to be equals.
Malcom X encouraged people to take control using violence if needed.
Why was the emergence of effective black leaders important?
Malcom X attracted support from frustrated blacks who were angry at the lack of progress in the North where King’s message did not result in the improvement of conditions in ghettos, low wages and reduction in police brutality.
Carmicheal’s idea of ‘black power’ became more than a phrase, it gave blacks an identity.
How was the emergence of effective black leaders limited?
Radical groups represented minority views, in many cases their violence and rioting hindered their cause and caused many people to withdraw their support from the movement.
It also caused negative press creating a negative opinion of the campaign.
