Civil Rights

Chapter 24

What was the ruling of Plessy vs. Ferguson in 1896?

The ruling stated that 'separate, but equal' facilities did not violate the 14th Amendment.

What laws were passed in the South after the Plessy vs. Ferguson ruling?

Jim Crow laws were passed throughout the South.

What was the impact of World War I and II on African Americans?

Many African Americans fled the South expecting better treatment in the North but still faced discrimination.

What was Executive Order 9981?

An order signed by President Truman in 1948 banning segregation in the military.

What was the NAACP's legal strategy against segregation?

The NAACP highlighted inequalities in education, showing that 10 times more money was spent on white students than on black students.

Who was Thurgood Marshall?

A lawyer who argued 32 cases to the Supreme Court and won 29, challenging segregation laws.

What was the significance of Brown vs. Board of Education?

The Supreme Court ruled that 'separate but equal' has no place in public education, affecting 21 million students.

What was the reaction to the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling?

Opponents criticized it, with some states vowing to resist integration.

What happened during the Crisis in Little Rock in 1957?

Governor Faubus ordered the National Guard to prevent the 'Little Rock Nine' from entering the school, but federal intervention was required to escort them.

What event sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in December 1955.

How long did the Montgomery Bus Boycott last?

The boycott lasted for 381 days.

What was the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)?

An organization founded by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957 to carry on non-violent protests against segregation.

What was the purpose of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)?

To coordinate nonviolent protests and engage students in the civil rights movement.

What was the first sit-in organized by CORE?

In 1942, CORE staged the first sit-in at segregated lunch counters.

What was the outcome of the Freedom Riders' protests?

The protests pressured the government to ban segregation in interstate travel facilities.

What happened during the integration of Ole Miss in 1962?

James Meredith won a court case to attend Ole Miss, but the governor tried to stop him, leading to riots on campus.

What was the significance of Birmingham, Alabama in the civil rights movement?

Birmingham was known for its violent resistance to desegregation, with numerous bombings and police brutality against protesters.

What tactics did police use against protesters in Birmingham?

Police used fire hoses, attack dogs, and clubs to disperse protesters, including children.

What was the impact of the civil rights protests in Birmingham?

The protests, boycotts, and media coverage pressured Birmingham to end segregation.

What motivated Ernest Green to attend Little Rock Central High School despite knowing the dangers?

The school had a wider range of programs, better science labs, more foreign languages, and superior equipment.

How did Ernest Green describe the atmosphere at Central High School during the first attempt to enter?

They were unsuccessful in entering due to soldiers blocking them and were out of school for about 20 days; when they returned, riots broke out.

What forms of resistance did white students and the community show against school integration?

Riots occurred, the governor called in the National Guard, and a Mother's League was formed; most students ignored the Little Rock Nine while a few tried to befriend them.

How did the presence of federal troops affect Ernest Green's experience at Central High School?

Initially, paratroopers provided protection, but their removal worsened the situation, leaving students vulnerable to targeting.

What challenges did Ernest Green face inside the classroom?

He faced ignorance from most students, harassment, and bullying, including locker break-ins and physical abuse.

How did teachers and administrators respond to the treatment of Ernest Green and the Little Rock Nine?

They did not support the students, attempted to normalize their presence by removing guards, and discouraged Ernest from attending his graduation.

What role did Ernest Green's family and community play in his perseverance?

His family provided support and had a history of fighting against segregation; his community offered camaraderie and moral support.

Why was Ernest Green's graduation significant in the Civil Rights Movement?

He was the first African American to graduate from Central High School, symbolizing a breakthrough in integration.

How did Ernest Green reflect on the emotional impact of integrating Central High School?

He felt proud of his role and the positive impact he made, believing young people can also drive change.

What lessons did Ernest Green suggest future generations learn from the integration of Little Rock Central High School?

He emphasized the importance of not viewing actions as historic moments to avoid fear of failure, encouraging full effort in doing what is right.