Civil Rights Movement

What do you know or remember about the Civil Rights Movement? Brainstorm in small groups using the organizer

Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

What groups in Georgia’s History have not had civil rights or limited civil rights?

Select one of the following overviews of the Civil Rights Movement: Civil Rights Movement Overview [4:20] History of the Civil Rights Movement [5:52] Civil Rights Movement Overview History of the Civil Rights Movement

During this unit, you will be learning more specifically about some of the events and people you saw in the video, as well as, many others. However, before we get into specific events of the Civil Rights Movement, we will examine events in Georgia that helped to fuel the Civil Rights Movement.

Essential Question: How did political events during the 1940s and 1950s fuel unrest in Georgia?

Standard: SS8H11a. Describe major developments in civil rights and Georgia’s role during the 1940s and 1950s; include the roles of Herman Talmadge, Benjamin Mays, the 1946 governor’s race and the end of the white primary, Brown v. Board of Education, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 1956 state flag.

“White Primary” Document Analysis

Use Your Graphic Organizer to take Notes

 “White Primary” was a practice that did not allow African Americans to vote in the primary elections (first elections held to determine the candidates for the general election)  Georgia’s White Primary was ended by a federal court case in 1945 White Primary

1946 Governor’s Race

Watch the Three Governors Controversy Part I video [see resources]. Pay close attention to the problem that is described because you will need to discuss it with a partner.

1946 Governor’s Race Describe the problem… Eugene Talmadge was elected, but died before taking office Knowing he was sick, Eugene Talmadge supporters secretly wrote his son’s name, Herman on ballots The General Assembly chose the person with the largest write-in votes, Herman Talmadge

1946 Governor’s Race Describe the problem… The new constitution said the Lieutenant Governor [Melvin Thompson] would take office if the governor died The outgoing governor, Ellis Arnall refused to accept the General Assembly election results. He refused to give up his position until the issue was resolved

Watch the Three Governors Controversy Part II video [see resources]. Pay close attention to the resolution so you can discuss it with a partner.

1946 Governor’s Race How was it resolved? The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the Lieutenant Governor [Thompson] was the rightful governor and Talmadge left the governor’s office A special election was called in 1948 and Talmadge closely defeated Thompson

Significance of the 1946 Governor’s Race The 1946 Governor’s Race was an embarrassment for the state that became nationwide news. More importantly, it led to a series of segregationist governors

1946 Governor’s Race Review

Herman Talmadge

Son of Eugene Talmadge who ultimately lost in the 1946 Governor’s Race He won the Governor’s race in the 1948 special election Positive: He successfully pushed for a state sales tax to support Georgia’s public education system

Herman Talmadge Positive: He brought more industry to the state Negative: He was an tough segregationist who fought against the U.S. Supreme Court’s civil rights decisions, primarily the desegregation of schools. Negative: He wanted to restore the White Primary

1956 State Flag

Pro-civil rights court rulings such as Brown v. Board of Education angered many southern states. Southern states began urging their white citizens to display acts of massive resistance against the federal mandates banning segregation.

One of the ways the Georgia General Assembly showed their disregard for these federal regulations was by changing the state flag.

Georgia State Flag

Georgia State Flag The 1956 flag incorporated the Confederate battle flag

At that time, the Confederate battle flag had become a symbol of southern protest and resistance to the federal government. The new state flag was symbolic of Georgia’s resistance to the federal government’s integration laws.

Select one of the quotes below and discuss what is meant with a partner.  Representative Denmark Groover said that the flag “…will serve notice that we intend to uphold what we stood for, will stand for, and will fight for.”  Another Representative 40 years later said “There was only one reason for putting that flag on there. Like the gun rack in the back of a pickup truck, it telegraphs a message.” 1956 State Flag

Current State Flag In 2001, the governor changed the flag. In 2003, the people of Georgia were allowed to vote on the flag.

If you lived in Georgia during the 1940s and 1950s, which of the four topics discussed below would have upset you the most? Explain your answer.  White Primary  1946 Governor’s Race  Eugene Talmadge  1956 State Flag