Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009 - 4 ‘I have a…

The idea

This topic examines how federal legislation between 1964 and 1968 reshaped civil rights and assesses Lyndon Johnson’s role. The Civil Rights Act 1964 banned segregation in public accommodations and discrimination in employment, creating the EEOC. The Voting Rights Act 1965 suspended literacy tests and provided federal oversight in areas with low registration, dramatically increasing Black voter registration. The Civil Rights Act 1968 addressed housing discrimination and included provisions on federal jurisdiction. Johnson’s role was pivotal: he used his legislative skill and presidential influence to secure passage, but his effectiveness was limited by opposition, the Vietnam War and urban unrest.

What earns the marks

• Explains the key provisions of the Civil Rights Act 1964, such as ending segregation in public places and prohibiting employment discrimination, and assesses its impact on desegregation.
• Analyses the significance of the Voting Rights Act 1965, including the suspension of literacy tests and federal enforcement, and its effect on Black voter registration in the South.
• Evaluates the Civil Rights Act 1968, particularly its fair housing provisions, and discusses its limitations and enforcement challenges.
• Assesses Lyndon Johnson’s role in advancing civil rights, considering his legislative strategy, use of presidential power, and the constraints he faced.
• Compares the relative importance of the three acts, using evidence of their effects on different aspects of civil rights.
• Integrates the role of Johnson with other factors, such as grassroots activism and Supreme Court decisions, to reach a substantiated judgement.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Treating the Civil Rights Act 1964 as solely about voting rights.

  Put it right: It primarily addressed public accommodations and employment; voting rights were strengthened by the Voting Rights Act 1965.

• Overstating Johnson’s role as the sole driver of civil rights legislation.

  Put it right: Acknowledge the pressure from civil rights groups and the broader political context.

• Assuming the Civil Rights Act 1968 immediately ended housing discrimination.

  Put it right: Note its limited enforcement and the persistence of de facto segregation.

Exam tips

• Plan your essay to address each act and Johnson’s role, ensuring you cover all parts of the question.
• Use specific evidence, such as statistics on voter registration or examples of segregation, to support your arguments.
• When evaluating importance, consider short-term and long-term effects, and compare the acts’ scope and enforcement.