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?
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What war was going on in the movie?
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How many names had to sign the petition for the NAACP to take the case to court?
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How many signed?
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List two ways in which the whites tried to pressure the African Americans to drop their suit.
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How much money did the district spend per every white student? And per every black student?
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Who was the lawyer on the defensive side?
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Who was the lawyer on the plaintiff side?
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What were the two questions facing the NAACP in the beginning of the suit?
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What was the amendment the plaintiff side used?
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How many times had the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision been upheld in the Supreme Court?
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Who was Ken Clark?
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How many other states are being sued on segregation issues?
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List three of the states that are being sued on segregation.
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How does the election of President Eisenhower change the court?
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In their second time in front of the Supreme Court, what did the plaintiffs and the defense have to fight to prove?
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Who is the new Chief Justice who was appointed by Eisenhower?
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What was the proof that was found that segregation was not meant to happen?
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Who is the leading force behind changing the mind of the justices?
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Who was the last judge to change his mind and support desegregation?
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What was wrong with Marshall's wife?
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What state was the new Chief Justice from?
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Which president added the words 'under God' to the pledge?
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Where was the main office of the NAACP?
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How did Chief Justice Vinson die?
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What was Warren's job before he became Chief Justice?
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What was the Supreme Court worried about in their decision?
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What was the cornerstone of the 14th Amendment?
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What is Krytocracy?
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How far did the kids have to walk to school?
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What was Marshall's hobby?
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What was Marshall's nickname for his wife?
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How did David's daughter Julia feel about the trial?
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What year did Marshall become Justice?
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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.