What was the significance of the Little Rock Nine in the struggle for the desegregation of schools in the USA?
Study Sources 3A, 3B and 3C to answer the following questions - NSC History - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 3
What was the significance of the Little Rock Nine in the struggle for the desegregation of schools in the USA?
Study Sources 3A, 3B and 3C to answer the following q... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What was the significance of the Little Rock Nine in the struggle for the desegregation of schools in the USA?
Study Sources 3A, 3B and 3C to answer the following questions - NSC History - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
3.1.1 Quote evidence from the source which suggests that the African American students were harassed.
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Answer
The source indicates that the African American students were turned away by the National Guard, highlighting the hostility they faced. Phrases such as 'the frenzy of the mob' illustrate the intense harassment from both the authorities and the public.
Step 2
3.1.2 Why do you think the African American students were turned away by the National Guard?
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The National Guard likely aimed to prevent higher tensions and protect the status quo. They may have felt pressured by the local populace against integration.
Step 3
3.1.3 How, according to the source, did the President react when the students were again turned away by the National Guard?
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The President responded by federalizing the National Guard, indicating that he took decisive steps to ensure the students' safety and uphold federal mandates for integration.
Step 4
3.1.4 Why do you think the white mob attacked the African American students?
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The attack stemmed from deep-seated racism and a desire to maintain white supremacy. The mob was likely incited by fears of losing social and political power.
Step 5
3.1.5 What evidence from the source suggests that the National Guard and the police were not in favour of the integration of Central High School?
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The source notes that the National Guard stood aside and that the police appeared indifferent to the threats faced by the African American students, indicating a lack of support for integration.
Step 6
3.1.6 Explain whether the actions of the police can be justified.
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The police's inaction can be scrutinized since they failed to uphold the law and protect the students. Their compliance with the mob presents a troubling moral dilemma regarding their duty.
Step 7
3.2.1 Explain the concept integration in the context of the struggle for civil rights in the USA.
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Integration refers to the process of ending racial segregation and bringing together individuals of all races in public spaces, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
Step 8
3.2.2 Why, according to the source, does Martin Luther King praise President Eisenhower?
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King praises Eisenhower for taking a strong stance in support of integration, showing federal resolve against racial discrimination.
Step 9
3.2.3 What historical event does Martin Luther King respond to in his telegram?
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In his telegram, King responds to the violence and resistance demonstrated during the Little Rock Nine incident, emphasizing the need for federal intervention.
Step 10
3.2.4 "The pen of history will record that when the small and confused minority that oppose integration with violence will have to see that your actions have been of great benefit to our nation." Explain the accuracy of this statement.
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This statement reflects King's belief that non-violent actions historically lead to progress, and that those opposing integration will ultimately be seen unfavorably in the narrative of justice.
Step 11
3.2.5 What does King's telegram tell you about his attitude towards violence?
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King's telegram suggests that he was firmly against violence, believing that peaceful methods are essential in the struggle for civil rights.
Step 12
3.2.6 Explain the usefulness of this source to a historian studying the events that unfolded at Little Rock Central High School.
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King's telegram provides a firsthand account of the Civil Rights Movement's perspective and highlights the impact of federal actions on local tensions.
Step 13
3.3 Compare Sources 3A and 3B. Explain how President Eisenhower and Governor Faubus reacted to the Little Rock Nine incident.
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Eisenhower took decisive action by federalizing the National Guard for the students' protection, while Faubus resisted integration, reflecting the conflict between federal authority and state-level opposition.
Step 14
3.4.1 What historical incident is shown in the photograph?
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The photograph depicts the entry of the Little Rock Nine into Central High School amidst hostility, symbolizing the struggle for school desegregation.
Step 15
3.4.2 Explain the significance of the Little Rock Nine incident in the struggle for civil rights in the USA.
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The Little Rock Nine incident became a crucial moment in the Civil Rights Movement, sparking national attention and emphasizing the necessity for federal enforcement of desegregation policies.
Step 16
3.5 Using the information in the relevant sources and your knowledge, write a paragraph of EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining the significance of the Little Rock Nine in the struggle for school desegregation.
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The Little Rock Nine were pivotal in highlighting the resistance to school desegregation in the USA. Their courageous effort to integrate Central High School showcased the struggles faced by African Americans. This incident drew national media attention and prompted federal intervention, underscoring the importance of civil rights and equality. The federal government's involvement marked a decisive turning point, making the Little Rock Nine a symbol of the broader fight for racial equality in education.
