Civil Rights Act Of 1957

Question 1

Eisenhower’s original standpoint on a civil rights bill

Answer 1

Reluctant to act and argued that real change came from the way way people think, not by forcing it. He knew people wouldn’t like federal intervention.

Question 2

Sympathy created…

Answer 2

…by Brown, Bus Boycott and White Backlash reached congress and people home and abroad.

Question 3

First draft of Bill

Answer 3

Allowed Federal intervention over civil rights violations by states. Faced large opposition including from Eisenhower

Question 4

Dixiecrats on Civil Rights act of 1957

Answer 4

Didn’t support black voting rights despite how some Southern Politicians did. Dixiecrats in congress opposed- Strom Thurmond spoke for 24 hours and 18 mins in a filibuster to prevent vote on first bill meeting meaning it had to be revised and considered all over again.

Question 5

Filibuster

Answer 5

Stops a bill being voted on by talking until the given time limit for discussion has been passed.

Question 6

Civil Rights Bill 1957

Answer 6

Signed 9th September and allowed federal courts to prosecute State Governments fo Violations of Voting Rights. All white Southern courts unlikely to prosecute however but the Act showed that the Federal Government was in support of civil rights.

Question 7

SCLC

Answer 7

Set up Jan 1957, Southern Christian Leadership Council. Had MLK amoung it’s leaders.

Question 8

SCLC policies

Answer 8

Reject and protest all forms of segregation
Use non-violent direct action tactics
Mass action
Attract broad black and white membership
Initially focused on voter registration