Assassination of MLK and Impact

Who shot and killed King?

James Earl Ray

Where and when was King shot and killed?

On his hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee, on 4 April 1968.

What kind of responses were to his murder?

Violent responses to his murder across the USA.

Name an example of violent responses to King’s death:

Rioting in Washington and Cleveland.

What was James Earl Ray’s punishment?

A long prison sentence.

What did the 1968 Civil Rights Act focus and provide?

Focused on fair housing and provided federal protection to civil rights workers.

What did civil rights groups lose?

Funding and membership

How did civil rights groups lose funding and membership?

With civil rights laws, many white Americans saw the battle for civil rights as over.

What did King’s death increase?

White opposition to black demands for equality.

What did many black Americans become after King’s death?

More radical

Why were black Americans becoming more radical?

They were increasingly impatient about the slow pace of change.

Where and when was King’s funeral, and how many joined?

Atlanta on 9 April 1968 with over 100,000 joining the procession.