Civil Rights Movement Overview

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terminology from the Civil Rights Movement, useful for exam preparation.

De Jure Segregation

Segregation enforced by law, requiring separation in public places, schools, and transportation.

De Facto Segregation

Segregation that occurs in practice or by custom, not by law, continuing through housing, education, and employment discrimination.

Nation of Islam

A religious and political group founded in the 1930s advocating for Black empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Black Power Movement

A movement emphasizing racial pride, economic empowerment, and Black self-determination, contrasting with the nonviolent approach of the Civil Rights Movement.

March on Washington (1963)

A rally where over 250,000 people demanded civil rights and economic equality, known for Martin Luther King Jr.’s 'I Have a Dream' speech.

Birmingham Campaign

A significant civil rights protest site where violent police tactics drew national attention to segregation.

Media Impact

Television and newspapers broadcast violent attacks on protesters, garnering public support for the Civil Rights Movement.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance, leading to major victories like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Malcolm X

A leader in the Nation of Islam who initially promoted Black self-defense and separatism before adopting a more inclusive approach.

Little Rock Crisis (1957)

An event where nine African American students were prevented from entering an all-white school in Arkansas, symbolizing desegregation resistance.

James Meredith

The first African American student to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962, leading to violent protests.

John F. Kennedy

Initially cautious about civil rights, he later supported the movement and oversaw integration efforts before his assassination.

Lyndon B. Johnson

President who pushed key legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that outlawed segregation and discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and schools.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that eliminated literacy tests and other barriers to voting for African Americans.

Freedom Summer (1964)

A campaign aimed at registering Black voters in Mississippi amid violent resistance.

Selma March (1965)

A protest for voting rights that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, highlighted by brutal attacks on marchers.

Warren Commission

An investigation into JFK's assassination that concluded Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.

Literacy Tests

Tests used to disenfranchise Black voters, outlawed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

George Wallace

Governor of Alabama known for his strong segregationist views and 'segregation forever' stance.

Nonviolent Protest

A strategy used by the Civil Rights Movement involving methods inspired by Gandhi.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

A protest sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest that led to the desegregation of Montgomery’s buses.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which upheld racial segregation.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Ruled that school segregation is unconstitutional and overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.

Civil Rights Group Tactics

Strategies included nonviolent resistance, direct action, and grassroots activism.

Outcomes of the Civil Rights Movement

Included passage of civil rights laws, increased Black political participation, and greater access to education and employment.

Later Goals of the Civil Rights Movement

Focused on economic justice, ending systemic racism, addressing police brutality, and expanding political representation.

Differences between MLK and Malcolm X

MLK advocated for nonviolence and integration, while Malcolm X initially promoted Black separatism and self-defense.