Civil Rights Movement Gains

Background and Objectives

• Racial Equality and Desegregation: Strived for equal rights and desegregation during and following WWII.
• Post-War Influence: The experiences of returning African-American veterans underscored racial disparities, sparking demands for civil rights reforms.

Timeline of Major Events

Key Dates and Events (1954-1968)

• 1954: Brown v. Board of Education ruled school segregation unconstitutional.
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  Impact: This decision was a significant milestone for legal and educational reforms in the US.

• 1955-56: Montgomery Bus Boycott: Showcased the success of nonviolent protests.
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  This highlighted the power of unified community efforts to contest segregation laws.

• 1963: March on Washington: Provided a platform for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating for racial harmony.
• 1968: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.: A tragic event, fortifying the drive for civil rights goals.

Major Figures

Martin Luther King Jr.

• Promoted nonviolent resistance; his "I Have a Dream" speech was key in advancing civil rights.

Rosa Parks

• Her refusal to give up her bus seat sparked significant social movements.

Malcolm X

• Supported self-defence, empowerment, and challenging systemic inequality.

Thurgood Marshall

• As a NAACP attorney, his legal victories were instrumental to the movement's success.
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  Marshall's legal work was crucial for future advancements in civil rights.

Societal and Legal Climate Pre-Movement

Post-World War II Migration and Military Experience

• Great Migration caused demographic changes and cultural shifts.
• Returning Soldiers: Faced ongoing racism, leading to heightened demands for civil rights.

NAACP's Legal Strategies

• Thurgood Marshall's efforts were essential in prominent cases against segregation.

Media's Role

• Media coverage of racial injustices increased public support for civil rights.

Impact of Brown v. Board of Education

'Separate but Equal' Doctrine: Established by the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case to legitimise racial segregation.

• Thurgood Marshall: Effectively contested the constitutionality of segregation.

Immediate Legal and Societal Changes

Civil Rights Act of 1964

• Segregation: Abolished in public schools and facilities.
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  Segregation: The practice of separating individuals based on racial distinctions.

• Voting Rights Act of 1965: Led to a significant increase in African American voter registration.

Long-term Gains

Legislative and Policy Impacts

• Key legislation continues to uphold equality.
  • Brown v. Board of Education: A legal precedent for subsequent laws.

Persistent Social Changes

• Political Representation: There has been an increase in African-American participation in politics.

Educational and Economic Progress

• There have been strides in educational attainment and economic opportunities.

International Influence

Global Human Rights Impact

• The movement's ideals influenced global efforts, contributing to the dismantling of apartheid in nations such as South Africa.