Civil Rights Incidents 1953-1960

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant outcome of the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954?

It established that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. (correct)

It founded the NAACP as an organization.

It mandated a timeline for desegregation to occur.

It reinforced the legality of separate but equal facilities.

Which group largely funded and supported the legal efforts in Brown v. Board of Education?

Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)

Urban League

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (correct)

What was a key factor in the murder of Emmett Till gaining national attention?

His mother's decision to hold an open-casket funeral. (correct)

The involvement of high-profile political leaders.

Public speeches made by Martin Luther King Jr.

The rapid response by civil rights organizations.

What was the main result of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

A Supreme Court ruling found Alabama's bus segregation laws unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

Who was a notable civil rights leader involved in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

Rosa Parks Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge faced in the aftermath of the desegregation ruling in Brown v. Board of Education?

A lack of legal backing for enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What event is closely associated with the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-1950s?

Montgomery Bus Boycott Signup and view all the answers

What event marked a significant moment during the civil rights movement in Montgomery?

The establishment of the Montgomery Improvement Association Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court Chief Justice presided over the Brown v. Board of Education decision?

Earl Warren Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the boycott that lasted for 382 days in Montgomery?

To end racial segregation on buses Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent figure was brought into the discussions surrounding the Montgomery boycott?

Martin Luther King Jr. Signup and view all the answers

What societal issue did the murder of Emmett Till underline, as indicated by its national impact?

The brutality of lynching and racism in the South. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of resistance faced by African Americans in their quest for civil rights during the Eisenhower Era?

Significant backlash and violence from segregationists. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Governor Orval Faubus take regarding the integration of Little Rock Central High School?

He called in the National Guard to block the students. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Eisenhower administration respond to the crisis at Little Rock Central High School?

They sent federal troops to escort the students. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes did the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education NOT achieve?

It ended segregation in public schools immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Woolworth's lunch counter protests?

The protests led to the desegregation of public spaces. Signup and view all the answers

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was largely prompted by which event?

Rosa Parks being arrested for refusing to give up her seat. Signup and view all the answers

What were the motivations behind the actions of students participating in sit-ins during the 1960 protests?

To challenge segregation and assert their rights Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the slow process of desegregation in the southern United States following the Brown v. Board decision?

Local resistance and lack of enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What did President Eisenhower do in response to the school integration crisis in Arkansas?

He ordered military intervention to enforce federal law. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Brown v. Board of Education ruling specifically overturn?

Plessy v. Ferguson Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy did the students at Woolworth's utilize during their protests?

Sit-ins to demand service at the counter Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons for the establishment of the Montgomery Improvement Association?

To organize community support against segregation Signup and view all the answers

What significant challenge did the Little Rock students face even after federal troops were deployed?

Continued threats and harassment from local citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What was the intention behind the 'Lost Year' following the Little Rock crisis?

To prevent the integration of schools entirely. Signup and view all the answers

How did the media's attention impact the civil rights movement?

It brought international support and recognition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Civil Rights Incidents and Cases in the Eisenhower Era (1953-1960)

Brown v. Topeka Board of Education (1954): Linda Brown forced to attend a school 20 blocks away due to segregation. The NAACP argued this violated the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that school segregation based on race was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.
Key Figures: Thurgood Marshall (NAACP), Linda Brown, Oliver Brown, Earl Warren (Chief Justice).
Key Organizations: NAACP, SNCC, SCLC.
Government Involvement: Supreme Court ruling.
Successes: Desegregation of schools was ruled unconstitutional.
Failures: De-segregation was slow in the South, facing resistance and violence.

Emmett Till's Murder (1955)

Summary: Emmett Till, a Black teenager, was lynched in Mississippi after a suspected incident.
Key Figures: The Bryants (shopkeepers), Emmett Till, Mamie Till.
Government Involvement: None.
Successes: No justice was served in the trial.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)

Summary: In Montgomery, Alabama, a series of incidents of racial discrimination on buses sparked a boycott by African Americans. This was led by, Rosa Parks. Notably, and importantly, the boycott lasted for 382 days, with members organising their own transport.
Key Figures: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr,. Emmett Till, Mamie Till.
Government Involvement: None.

Little Rock Crisis (1957)

Summary: Nine Black students attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School, facing resistance from the governor and white protesters. Federal troops were sent to escort them to school.
Key Figures: Governor Orval Faubus, nine students (including Elizabeth Eckford), President Eisenhower.
Government Involvement: Eisenhower sent federal troops.
Successes: Students eventually attended school.
Failures: De-segregation in Arkansas did not fully happen until 1972.

Woolworth Sit-ins (1960)

Summary: Four African American students sat at a "whites-only" lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. They refused to leave and faced opposition, initiating a sit-in.
Key Figures: The "Greensboro Four", and other students from across the South.
Government Involvement: None.
Successes: Woolworth's desegregated their lunch counters. The sit-ins inspired similar protests in other cities.
Failures: None directly noted.

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Description

This quiz explores pivotal civil rights incidents during the Eisenhower era, including landmark cases like Brown v. Topeka Board of Education and the murder of Emmett Till. Test your knowledge on key figures, organizations, and the successes and failures in the fight for desegregation and justice during the 1950s.