Key ideas involved
What were the key ideas behind the movements that took place?
The American Civil Rights movement began in 1954 through a series of events involving the unethical persecution of African American people. The key ideas behind this civil rights movement were to get rid of racial segregation as well as giving the African Americans the same rights as the whites. "The civil rights movement was based on faith. Many of us who were participants in this movement saw our involvement as an extension of our faith. We saw ourselves doing the work of the Almighty. Segregation and racial discrimination were not in keeping with our faith, so we had to do something." -John Lewis
The American Civil Rights movement began in 1954 through a series of events involving the unethical persecution of African American people. The key ideas behind this civil rights movement were to get rid of racial segregation as well as giving the African Americans the same rights as the whites. "The civil rights movement was based on faith. Many of us who were participants in this movement saw our involvement as an extension of our faith. We saw ourselves doing the work of the Almighty. Segregation and racial discrimination were not in keeping with our faith, so we had to do something." -John Lewis
Equal Rights
One of the other main reasons for the civil rights movement was the need for equal rights between the whites and the African Americans. These two racial groups had major differences in which the African American's were incredibly restricted in what they were allowed to do. They had to tolerate racist and discriminatory remarks and be exploited as slaves; where they worked for their masters without fail. Laws and rules told them what they could or could not do, when they could do things and where. Any infringements brought severe punishments. The civil rights movement wanted to even the rights between the two races; they demanded equal ability, equal opportunities and anti - racism. Some of these demands were met and one of the most significant 'wins' was the Voting act of 1965 which allowed African Americans the right to vote. |
How was widespread support for these ideas gained by the groups/ individuals
involved?
Widespread support was gained through many different platforms. The most common were different forms of civil resistance, in which different non-violent forms of protest were exercised to make their point known, consequently challenging the beliefs of the white government. Some of these forms of civil resistance include boycotts, sit ins, marches, protests, civil disobedience (disregard or refusal to obey laws) as well as riots. These forms of civil resistance all gained media attention which promoted their cause, such as the 1962 protest in Birmingham, in which police force was required. This event attracted attention from the television news coverage and was shown all over America.
involved?
Widespread support was gained through many different platforms. The most common were different forms of civil resistance, in which different non-violent forms of protest were exercised to make their point known, consequently challenging the beliefs of the white government. Some of these forms of civil resistance include boycotts, sit ins, marches, protests, civil disobedience (disregard or refusal to obey laws) as well as riots. These forms of civil resistance all gained media attention which promoted their cause, such as the 1962 protest in Birmingham, in which police force was required. This event attracted attention from the television news coverage and was shown all over America.
A massive campaign was held by the Regional Council of Negro Leadership which through advertising and door knockers, created an 'army' of people who would join the campaign and support the cause through boycotts, marches etc. However, undeniably one of the most famous speeches known to man is Martin Luther King Jr's 'I Have a Dream Speech' This incredibly influential speech demanded an end to racism. It was a huge stepping stone in the civil rights movement. This speech inspired thousands of African American people around America to unite which gained much needed support across the states. The civil rights chronicle states, ' This was a significant step in the struggle for equal rights in which activist Martin Luther King Jr unites fellow African Americans.'