The African American Civil Rights Movement

In AP United States History, the African American Civil Rights Movement is studied as a pivotal struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States, spanning the mid-20th century. This movement sought to end segregation, disenfranchisement, and discrimination against African Americans through legal challenges, nonviolent protests, and civil disobedience. Key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, along with landmark events such as the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the March on Washington, played crucial roles in advancing civil rights and securing significant legislative victories, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Learning Objectives

In AP United States History, you will be expected to understand the key events, figures, and strategies of the African American Civil Rights Movement, including legal battles, nonviolent protests, and civil disobedience. The impact of landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education, and major legislation, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, will be analyzed. You will also examine the movement’s broader influence on American society and subsequent social justice movements.

Key Events and Concepts

Brown v. Board of Education (1954):

• The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
• This decision was a significant victory for the civil rights movement and paved the way for further legal challenges to segregation.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956):

• Sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger, the Montgomery Bus Boycott was a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, organized a successful boycott of the city’s bus system, lasting over a year.
• The boycott led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, marking a major victory for the movement and elevating Martin Luther King Jr. as a national leader.

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination.
• The act was a major achievement of the civil rights movement, reflecting the efforts of activists and the influence of key events like the March on Washington.

Voting Rights Act of 1965:

• The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the South. It banned literacy tests and other discriminatory practices and provided federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of disenfranchisement.
• This act significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans, particularly in the Southern states.

The March on Washington (1963):

• The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was one of the largest civil rights rallies in U.S. history, with over 250,000 participants. It was here that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
• The march was a turning point in the movement, highlighting the demand for economic equality and civil rights, and it helped build momentum for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Impact and Legacy:

• The African American Civil Rights Movement successfully dismantled legal segregation and significantly advanced the cause of racial equality in the United States. It inspired other social movements, including those for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability rights.
• Despite these successes, the movement also faced significant opposition and challenges, including violent resistance from segregationists and ongoing racial inequalities that continue to affect American society today.

Examples:

1. Example 1: Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
   This Supreme Court case ended racial segregation in public schools, declaring it unconstitutional and laying the foundation for the broader civil rights movement.
2. Example 2: Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)
   The boycott led to the desegregation of public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, and established Martin Luther King Jr. as a key leader of the civil rights movement.
3. Example 3: Civil Rights Act of 1964
   This act outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination, marking a major legislative victory for the civil rights movement.
4. Example 4: Voting Rights Act of 1965
   The act eliminated discriminatory voting practices, significantly increasing African American voter registration and participation, particularly in the South.
5. Example 5: March on Washington (1963)
   The March on Washington brought national attention to the civil rights movement, with Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech becoming an iconic moment in American history.

MCQs:

1. What was the significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision?
   • A) It established “separate but equal” as a legal doctrine.
   • B) It declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
   • C) It upheld the legality of segregation in public transportation.
   • D) It banned discrimination in employment based on race.
   Answer: B) It declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional
   Explanation: The Brown v. Board of Education decision overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine and ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, marking a major victory for the civil rights movement.
2. Which event marked the beginning of Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the civil rights movement?
   • A) The March on Washington
   • B) The Selma to Montgomery March
   • C) The Montgomery Bus Boycott
   • D) The signing of the Civil Rights Act
   Answer: C) The Montgomery Bus Boycott
   Explanation: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest, was a pivotal event that led to the desegregation of public buses and established Martin Luther King Jr. as a prominent leader in the civil rights movement.
3. Which piece of legislation banned racial discrimination in voting practices?
   • A) Civil Rights Act of 1964
   • B) Voting Rights Act of 1965
   • C) Fair Housing Act of 1968
   • D) Equal Rights Amendment
   Answer: B) Voting Rights Act of 1965
   Explanation: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 eliminated discriminatory practices like literacy tests and provided federal oversight of voter registration, significantly increasing African American voter participation.