Question 1

What were the main methods used in the civil rights movement?

Accepted Answer

The civil rights movement used a combination of legal challenges, non-violent protests, and economic boycotts. Legal challenges, like Brown v. Board of Education (1954), aimed to overturn segregation laws. Non-violent protests included sit-ins (e.g., Greensboro, 1960), freedom rides (1961), and marches (e.g., March on Washington, 1963). Economic boycotts, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–56), put financial pressure on businesses. These methods were designed to expose injustice and force federal intervention.

Question 2

Why was Martin Luther King Jr. so important?

Accepted Answer

Martin Luther King Jr. was crucial because he provided moral leadership and a unifying vision for the civil rights movement. His philosophy of non-violent resistance, inspired by Gandhi, attracted widespread support and media attention. He led key campaigns in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma, and his 'I Have a Dream' speech became iconic. His ability to mobilise masses and negotiate with politicians helped secure the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965). However, his importance also lies in his symbolic role as a martyr after his assassination in 1968.

Question 3

Did the civil rights movement achieve equality?

Accepted Answer

No, the civil rights movement achieved significant legal victories but did not achieve full equality. The Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965) ended legal segregation and protected voting rights, but de facto segregation and economic inequality persisted. Many African Americans remained in poverty, faced discrimination in housing and employment, and were over-policed. The movement also inspired other groups, but issues like racial wealth gaps and systemic racism continue today. The movement's legacy is one of partial success, with ongoing struggles for justice.

Question 4

What was the role of women in the civil rights movement?

Accepted Answer

Women played vital roles in the civil rights movement, often as organisers and grassroots activists. Figures like Rosa Parks (whose arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott), Ella Baker (who helped found the SNCC), and Fannie Lou Hamer (a leader in voter registration) were instrumental. However, women often faced sexism within the movement, with men taking leadership roles. This experience contributed to the rise of the women's liberation movement in the late 1960s, as women sought equality both in society and within activist organisations.

Question 5

How did the Cold War affect the civil rights movement?

Accepted Answer

The Cold War had a significant impact on the civil rights movement. The USA was competing with the Soviet Union for global influence, and racial discrimination damaged its image as a leader of the free world. The Soviet media highlighted incidents like the Little Rock Nine (1957) and the Birmingham protests (1963) to criticise American hypocrisy. This pressure encouraged Presidents Kennedy and Johnson to support civil rights legislation. At the same time, the FBI under Hoover targeted civil rights leaders as potential communist subversives, creating a complex dynamic.

Question 6

What was the Black Power movement?

Accepted Answer

The Black Power movement emerged in the mid-1960s as a more radical alternative to the non-violent civil rights movement. It emphasised racial pride, self-determination, and economic empowerment, often rejecting integration. Key figures included Malcolm X, who advocated for self-defence and black nationalism, and the Black Panther Party, which focused on community programs and armed patrols. Black Power was controversial because it alienated white allies and led to violent confrontations with police. However, it also fostered cultural pride and influenced later movements like Black Lives Matter.

Equality and rights

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