Separate but Equal Movie Quiz

Questions and Answers

What was the original problem that got the NAACP involved in South Carolina?

The bus problem

What county in SC started the suit?

Clairden County

What is the name of the person who finally stood up to the district and sued?

Harry Briggs Senior

Who was the governor of SC during the suit?

Burns Signup and view all the answers

What war was going on in the movie?

Korean War Signup and view all the answers

How many names had to sign the petition for the NAACP to take the case to court?

20 Signup and view all the answers

How many signed?

66 people Signup and view all the answers

List two ways in which the whites tried to pressure the African Americans to drop their suit.

<ol> <li>offered a raise 2) threatened to fire them</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How much money did the district spend per every white student? And per every black student?

$179- white, $43- Black Signup and view all the answers

Who was the lawyer on the defensive side?

John W. Davis Signup and view all the answers

Who was the lawyer on the plaintiff side?

Marshall Signup and view all the answers

What were the two questions facing the NAACP in the beginning of the suit?

<ol> <li>does the NAACP make South Carolina live up to separate but equal? OR 2) do they go after the whole thing and say that sep but equal is unconstitutional</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was the amendment the plaintiff side used?

14th amendment Signup and view all the answers

How many times had the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision been upheld in the Supreme Court?

Who was Ken Clark?

He was there to test/approve that separate but equal hurts the kids (he was a psychologist) Signup and view all the answers

How many other states are being sued on segregation issues?

4 Signup and view all the answers

List three of the states that are being sued on segregation.

<ol> <li>South Carolina 2) Virginia 3) Delaware 4) Kansas 5) District of Columbia</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How does the election of President Eisenhower change the court?

Gets to appoint new Chief Justice Signup and view all the answers

In their second time in front of the Supreme Court, what did the plaintiffs and the defense have to fight to prove?

If the framers of the 14th amendment would allow segregation Signup and view all the answers

Who is the new Chief Justice who was appointed by Eisenhower?

Warren Signup and view all the answers

What was the proof that was found that segregation was not meant to happen?

Thaddeus Stevens - leader of radical republicans Signup and view all the answers

Who is the leading force behind changing the mind of the justices?

Warren Signup and view all the answers

Who was the last judge to change his mind and support desegregation?

Reid Signup and view all the answers

What was wrong with Marshall's wife?

She had stomach cancer Signup and view all the answers

What state was the new Chief Justice from?

California Signup and view all the answers

Which president added the words 'under God' to the pledge?

Eisenhower Signup and view all the answers

Where was the main office of the NAACP?

New York Signup and view all the answers

How did Chief Justice Vinson die?

Heart attack Signup and view all the answers

What was Warren's job before he became Chief Justice?

Governor of California Signup and view all the answers

What was the Supreme Court worried about in their decision?

They didn't want to step on the toes of Congress or so the states and didn’t want to be a nine-judge school board Signup and view all the answers

What was the cornerstone of the 14th Amendment?

Civil Rights Act of 1866 Signup and view all the answers

What is Krytocracy?

government by judges Signup and view all the answers

How far did the kids have to walk to school?

5 miles there and 5 miles back Signup and view all the answers

What was Marshall's hobby?

Trains Signup and view all the answers

What was Marshall's nickname for his wife?

Buster Signup and view all the answers

How did David's daughter Julia feel about the trial?

She didn't want him to do it because she was scared it would look like he hated black people Signup and view all the answers

What year did Marshall become Justice?

1967 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NAACP Involvement and Initial Case

The NAACP got involved due to issues with buses, commonly referred to as the bus problem.
Legal action originated in Clarendon County, South Carolina.

Key Individuals

Harry Briggs Senior was the person who spearheaded the lawsuit against the district.
The governor of South Carolina during the lawsuit was Burns.

Contextual Background

The movie is set against the backdrop of the Korean War.
A petition required 20 signatures for the NAACP to consider the case, but 66 individuals ultimately signed.

Pressures and Disparities

White officials attempted to coerce African Americans into dropping the suit by offering raises and threatening job dismissals.
There was a significant financial disparity in educational funding, with $179 spent per white student compared to $43 per black student.

Legal Representation

The defense was represented by lawyer John W. Davis, while the plaintiffs were represented by Marshall.
Two essential questions for the NAACP were whether to enforce "separate but equal" or to challenge its constitutionality.

Constitutional Context

The 14th Amendment was pivotal in the plaintiffs' arguments.
The Plessy vs. Ferguson decision had been upheld by the Supreme Court seven times prior to this case.

Key Testimonies and Broader Impact

Kenneth Clark, a psychologist, assessed the negative impact of segregation on children.
Four other states were involved in lawsuits regarding segregation, including Virginia, Delaware, and Kansas.

Judicial Changes

President Eisenhower's administration allowed for the appointment of a new Chief Justice to the Supreme Court.
The new Chief Justice, Earl Warren, had a significant influence on the case and the justices' perspectives.

Arguments and Judicial Concerns

The court needed to establish if the framers of the 14th Amendment intended to allow segregation.
Chief Justice Warren emerged as the leading force advocating for the change in judicial stance towards desegregation.

Key Personal and Historical Insights

Marshall's personal struggles included his wife's battle with stomach cancer.
The NAACP's main office was located in New York, highlighting its role as a national organization.

Miscellaneous Facts

Chief Justice Vinson died of a heart attack, leading to the appointment of Warren.
Warren had previously served as the Governor of California before becoming Chief Justice.

Additional Notes

The Supreme Court feared overstepping congressional authority and becoming too involved in state matters, likening themselves to a "nine-judge school board."
The cornerstone of the 14th Amendment relates to the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
"Krytocracy" refers to a government run by judges, a term relevant to discussions on judicial power.
Children had to walk 5 miles to school, emphasizing the struggles faced by those affected by segregation.
Marshall's passion for trains reflects a personal aspect of his character, found in contrast to his serious legal work.
His daughter Julia expressed fears about the trial affecting how others perceived their family, showcasing personal conflicts amidst the legal battle.
Thurgood Marshall became a Justice in 1967, marking a significant milestone in American history.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the landmark case featured in the movie 'Separate but Equal'. This quiz covers key individuals, locations, and events that led to significant changes in civil rights in South Carolina. Perfect for learners interested in historical legal battles.