Civil Rights Movements and their impact politically and socially in the United States LESSON 35

LESSON OBJECTIVES Following this lesson you should be able to: Explain why African Americans , women and other groups found it necessary to take concerted action to ensure recognition of their civil rights. Describe goals and tactics that civil rights movements have used. Explain the importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Discuss landmark legislation involving civil rights.

Status of Civil Rights in Mid-20th Century America Two types of segregation: De Jure Segregation: refers to separation required by law. Brown v. Board of Education De facto segregation: refers to racial separation cause by the actions of private individuals. Civil Rights Act 1964 – dealt with restaurants, hotels and theaters served whites only. Landlords refused to rent to minorities. Brown address only De Jure segregation Implied laws compelling separation of the races by law violated equal protection of the law.

Status of Civil Rights in Mid-20th Century America Brown II brought by the NAACP when Brown was not really implemented Many who attempted to implement Brown were very unpopular. Army was desegregated by Exec Order of Truman 1948 1950 still found African Americans treated as second class citizens. While De Jure segregation was mandated, many places fought desegregation. Some places closed their schools rather than desegregate. South promised “massive resistance” KKK was revitalized in 1955 – violence rose across the country. Eisenhower sent troop to Little Rock Arkansas to open schools 1957

Origins of modern civil rights movements and their goals African American leaders, as well as ordinary men challenged and resisted Jim Crow Laws Armed themselves as against KKK attacks Organized to assert economic rights NAACP organized and kept civil rights on the national agenda NAACP was joined by other organizations: Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights Southern Christian Leadership Council Fellowship of Reconciliation –interfaith organization Gandhi influenced many leaders in non violent resistance and civil disobedience

Origins of modern civil rights movements and their goals Leaders of the civil rights movements focused on preparation and education. 1955 in a planned protest NAACP member Rosa Parks – Montgomery Alabama Violated a law requiring segregated seating on the bus. Supreme Court ordered Montgomery city officials to end segregation on busse

Civil Rights Act 1964 1963 brought the organization of public demonstrations throughout the South. Birmingham, AL saw marches broken up as police used fire hoses and dogs President Kennedy promises to pass civil rights legislation, but is assassinated. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Remains the most far reaching legislation Outlawed de jure and de facto segregation Outlawed discrimination in hotels, restaurants, theaters, gas stations, airline terminals and other places of public accommodation. Gave additional authority to end school segregation Prohibited job discrimination by businesses and labor unions Authorized the US Justice Department to file lawsuits against states that discriminate against women and minorities

Voting Rights Act 1965 After a march from Selma to Montgomery Governor sent in state troopers to stop march Protestors were clubbed and beaten. Congress passes the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Prohibits discrimination based on race Eliminates literacy test, poll taxes and discriminatory registration practices Provide materials in other languages if significant numbers of voters do not speak English. Counties with a history of discrimination to be monitored by the Justice Department. Extended to 2031.

Role of Civil Disobedience Used in abolitionist movement Used in women's suffrage movement Martin Luther King Authors such as Thoreau advocated Does not attempt rebellion or revolution Conscience above the law Critics say: Attack on Constitutional Democracy Weakens respect for the law Puts individual conscience as the absolute Invitation to social chaos No rights or values are safe

Civil Rights Movement Changes NAACP Voter registration Minimum wage Health care HIV Health services High quality public education for minority children Farm Workers Pay Working conditions Pesticides Native Americans Housing Unemployment rate Discrimination in education Police brutality Women Equal Pay Pregnancy Discrimination Act Sexual Harrassment