Civil Rights Timeline Quiz

Overview of the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s) was a fight for racial equality in the U.S., led by African Americans and allies to end segregation and secure voting rights.

Brown v. Board of Education

A landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Emmett Till’s Murder

The brutal 1955 killing of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi that drew national attention to racial violence.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

A year-long boycott starting in December 1955, triggered by Rosa Parks' arrest, protesting racial segregation on public buses.

Little Rock Nine

In September 1957, nine Black students integrated Central High School in Little Rock, facing violent opposition.

Greensboro Sit-ins

A series of nonviolent protests starting on February 1, 1960, where Black students sat at segregated lunch counters.

Freedom Rides

Interracial bus rides beginning in May 1961, aimed at challenging segregation in public transportation.

James Meredith & Ole Miss

The enrollment of James Meredith as the first Black student at the University of Mississippi on September 30, 1962, which led to riots.

Birmingham Campaign

Nonviolent protests in Birmingham in 1963 that faced police brutality, leading to significant media coverage.

March on Washington

A massive rally on August 28, 1963, where MLK delivered the 'I Have a Dream' speech advocating for jobs and freedom.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation passed on July 2, 1964, that banned segregation in public places and employment discrimination.

Selma to Montgomery March

The march from Selma to Montgomery in March 1965, aiming to secure voting rights, marked by 'Bloody Sunday.'

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Signed on August 6, 1965, it aimed to eliminate barriers preventing African Americans from voting.

Assassination of MLK

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, prompting national outrage and riots.

MLK's Philosophy

Advocated for nonviolent resistance based on Gandhi’s teachings to challenge racism and promote social justice.

MLK's Major Achievements

Included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Birmingham Campaign, March on Washington, Civil Rights Act, and Voting Rights Act.

Malcolm X's Philosophy

Initially focused on Black nationalism and self-defense before advocating for racial unity after a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Malcolm X's Major Achievements

Key spokesperson for the Nation of Islam and founder of the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

'By any means necessary'

A famous quote by Malcolm X emphasizing self-defense and empowerment of African Americans.

Assassination of Malcolm X

Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, by gunmen believed to be related to the Nation of Islam.

Key Differences Between MLK and Malcolm X

MLK favored nonviolent integration while Malcolm X initially promoted self-defense and Black nationalism.

MLK's Major Speech

The 'I Have a Dream' speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington.

Malcolm X's Major Speech

'Ballot or the Bullet' speech delivered in 1964 advocating for voting rights and self-determination.

Economic Justice

A key focus of MLK's later activism, highlighting the importance of addressing economic disparities.

Civil Rights Movement's Legacy

Ended legal segregation, secured voting rights, and inspired future movements for equality and justice.

Impact of Racial Segregation

Legal segregation denied basic rights and privileges to African Americans and other marginalized groups.

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a key organization in civil rights activism.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

Formed in 1960 to support and organize nonviolent protests against racial segregation.

Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)

A civil rights organization known for its role in the Freedom Rides and promoting nonviolent activism.

Bull Connor

Birmingham's Public Safety Commissioner notorious for using police dogs and fire hoses against civil rights protesters.

Bayard Rustin

A key organizer of the March on Washington, played a vital role in civil rights strategy.

Thurgood Marshall

The lawyer who argued the Brown v. Board case and later became the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

John Lewis

A leader in the civil rights movement, he was a key figure during both the Freedom Rides and Selma to Montgomery march.

Daisy Bates

Civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the integration of Little Rock Central High School.

Lyndon B. Johnson

President who signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Economic & Racial Disparities

Persisting issues in society that the Civil Rights Movement aimed to address and combat.

Legacy of Future Movements

The Civil Rights Movement laid the groundwork for later advocacy for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

Legal Actions in the Movement

Included numerous lawsuits and legal challenges aimed at dismantling segregation and discrimination.

Activism Methods

Protests, sit-ins, boycotts, and legal challenges were used to advocate for civil rights.

Influence of Gandhi

Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance significantly influenced MLK's philosophy.

Cultural Impact of the Civil Rights Movement

The movement shifted public perception and cultural narratives surrounding race in America.