Investigating the murder of Emmett Till When did the Civil Rights Movement begin?

When did the Civil Rights Movement start? Was there a specific event? How do we know it was the beginning of the movement? Does one moment start an event?

Most Historians do not pinpoint the beginning of any movement, including the civil rights movement to one day in history. But, historians do claim that movements, including the civil rights movement, are sparked by specific pivotal events.

Pivotal – what does this mean? In your notebooks make a list of synonyms for pivotal. Listen to the dictionary definition. Write a definition in your book.

Pivotal: n. One on which the direction, development, or effect of something depends. v. To swing or turn on as if on a pivot. Webster’s II Dictionary adj. Of, pertaining to, or serving as a pivot: of vital or crucial importance.

What recent events might be viewed as pivotal by future generations? Develop a list of 5 events Share list with a partner.

Which of these events might future generations view as pivotal? Why? David Cook winning American Idol Myanmar refusing international aid after the cyclone The 2008 Democratic Presidential Campaign