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

The idea

This topic explores the fragmentation of the civil rights movement in the mid-1960s. The expulsion of white members from SNCC and CORE reflected a shift towards Black Power and racial separatism. The Black Panthers, founded in 1966, advocated armed self-defence and community programmes, becoming a symbol of militant resistance. Malcolm X’s role evolved from Black nationalism to a more inclusive approach before his assassination in 1965. King’s stance on the Vietnam War, publicly opposed in 1967, alienated some supporters and linked civil rights to anti-war activism. His assassination in 1968 triggered widespread riots and accelerated legislative action, notably the Civil Rights Act 1968.

What earns the marks

• Explains the expulsion of whites from SNCC and CORE, linking it to the rise of Black Power and changing strategies.
• Analyses the growth and significance of the Black Panthers, including their armed patrols and community initiatives, and their impact on perceptions of civil rights.
• Assesses Malcolm X’s role, including his Black nationalist phase, his evolving views, and his influence on younger activists.
• Evaluates King’s stance on the Vietnam War, its reception, and its consequences for the civil rights coalition.
• Examines the immediate effects of King’s assassination, such as urban riots and the passage of the Civil Rights Act 1968.
• Synthesises these divisions to judge how far they represented a turning point in the civil rights movement.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming that SNCC and CORE expelled all white members solely due to Malcolm X’s influence.

  Put it right: The expulsions were part of a broader shift towards Black self-determination and were influenced by multiple factors.

• Portraying the Black Panthers as only a violent group.

  Put it right: They also ran community programmes like free breakfasts and health clinics.

• Stating that King’s opposition to the Vietnam War was universally welcomed.

  Put it right: It faced criticism from some civil rights leaders and the government.

Exam tips

• Ensure you cover all named groups and individuals, and link them to the theme of increasing divisions.
• Use precise examples, such as the date of King’s Riverside Church speech or the founding of the Black Panthers, to demonstrate knowledge.
• When discussing immediate effects, distinguish between short-term reactions and longer-term consequences.