The Civil Rights Movement

The Struggle for Equality

Mid 1950s - 1970

I. BackgroundA. Before WWII, African Americans

not treated equallyB. Jim Crow Laws early 1900s

1. separation of blacks and whites in schools, parks, public buildings, hospitals, and transportation systems.2. Restricted voting

II. The Movement Begins

A. During WWII – FDR banned racial discrimination in defense industries – 1941

B. After WWII, civil rights accelerate

1. Thousands of African Americans served in the war

2. Wanted to be treated the same as whites

III. Government Action

A. President Truman recognized the issue1. Banned

discrimination in the hiring of Federal employees

2. Ended segregation in the Armed forces in 1948

IV. Civil Rights Groups

A. N.A.A.C.P.B. Student Nonviolent

Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

C. Southern Christian Leadership Conference (MLK was a member)

D. Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

Brown vs. Board of Education

May 17, 1954 Supreme Court ruled that

segregation in schools was a violation of the 14th amendment

Chief Justice Earl Warren: “In the field of public education, the doctrine of separate but equal has no

place.”

Little Rock Arkansas

Watch the following clip and answer the following questions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH-eC4LgZT4&feature=related

1. What are the Arkansas National Guard ordered to do?

2. What happens to Elizabeth Eckford?3. What is the crowds reaction when they discover

that the Little Rock 9 has entered the high school?4. What suggestion is given on how to control the

crowd?