Topic 2. Desegregation

Question 1

Background to the Civil Rights Act

Answer 1

• In 1948 Truman tried to pass a Civil Rights Bill but was blocked.
• Eisenhower said he was in favour of Civil Rights.

Question 2

Why was the Civil Rights Bill in 1956 not passed?

Answer 2

It was filibustered by Storm Thurmond

Question 3

What did the Civil Rights Act in 1957 aim to improve?

Answer 3

African American voter registration

Question 4

Positives of Civil Rights Act

Answer 4

• It was the first time in 82 years that the Federal government had acted to improve civil rights of African-Americans
• Showed that congress was willing to do something
• Another Civil Rights Act passed in 1960

Question 5

Negatives of both Civil Rights Acts

Answer 5

• Only improved voter registration by 3%
• Juries often opposed and were likely to find ‘not guilty verdicts
• Civil Right campaigners not satisfied.

Question 6

What were some limitations of the Brown ruling?

Answer 6

Southern Manifesto
White Citizens Councils
Eisenhower didn’t want to lose popularity
BvT didn’t have deadline

Question 7

Who was the Governor of Arkansas that refused the Little Rock Nine?

Answer 7

Orville Faubus

Question 8

Why was Little Rock Nine significant?

Answer 8

International outrage.
Media coverage.

Question 9

What did Faubus do to justifying his refusal of Little Rock Nine going to school?

Answer 9

Gave a speech saying he was concerned of the white people’s education.

Question 10

Government response to Little Rock Nine

Answer 10

• Sent police -> caused riots -> medial coverage (shock)
• Eisenhower sent 1,200 troops to protect the Little Rock Nine

Question 11

Did the Supreme Court have anything to do with Little Rock Nine?

Answer 11

Yes, it forced Little Rock to reopen in August 1959 (after Faubus had closed all high schools in Little Rock) and continue integrating.