The Civil Rights Movementin the USA was a pivotal... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
13
1
higher history USA essay plan issue 5
928
•
4 Jul 2025
•
Higher History USA Civil Rights Movement: Summary, Essay & Quizlet
K
Katie
@katiekeenan8
The Role of Black Civil Rights Organizations
Civil rights organizations played a crucial role in structuring and advancing the movement:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , established in 1909, focused on:
- Pressuring politicians to enact change
- Fighting discrimination in schools through legal means
Highlight: The NAACP's efforts led to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which legally enforced school desegregation.
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee was formed to give young people a voice in the movement:
- Organized freedom rides to challenge segregation in interstate travel
- Gained sympathy and support after facing violence from groups like the Ku Klux Klan
Vocabulary: Freedom Rides were bus trips through the Southern United States to protest segregation in interstate bus terminals.
These organizations provided the structural backbone for the Civil Rights Movement, although some, like the SNCC, became more radical over time and eventually disbanded.
Continued Prejudice and Discrimination
Despite progress, prejudice and discrimination persisted:
The case of Oliver Brown v. Board of Education in 1952 challenged school segregation:
- Led to the desegregation of schools across the USA
- However, other public areas remained segregated
Example: While schools were desegregated, restaurants and other public spaces often remained segregated for years afterward.
The tragic murder of Emmett Till in 1955 highlighted the extreme racism still present:
- Till's body was found in a river after a confrontation with a white man
- His mother's decision to have an open-casket funeral exposed the brutality of racism to the nation
Highlight: The death of Emmett Till, while tragic, served as a catalyst for growing support for the Civil Rights Movement.
The Emergence of Effective Black Leaders
The Civil Rights Movement saw the rise of several influential Black leaders who continued to push for equality:
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott:
- Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger
- Her action sparked a citywide bus boycott
- The boycott led to the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery
Definition: The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a civil rights protest in which African Americans refused to ride city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, to protest segregated seating.
Ralph Abernathy's leadership:
- Became president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference after King's assassination
- Worked to continue King's vision and goals
- Often overlooked in historical accounts despite his significant contributions
These leaders built upon King's legacy and helped realize the impact of the Civil Rights Movement:
- They demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing
- Their efforts led to tangible changes in laws and social attitudes
- Their work highlighted the ongoing struggle for equality beyond King's lifetime
Highlight: The emergence of diverse leadership within the Civil Rights Movement ensured its continuity and effectiveness even after the loss of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
Background of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement gained momentum in response to the discriminatory Jim Crow laws in the Southern United States. These laws enforced segregation in public spaces, including schools and cafes, shocking many in the North and fueling the desire for change.
Definition: Jim Crow laws were state and local statutes that legalized racial segregation in the Southern United States.
A. Philip Randolph's efforts to pressure the president for fair employment practices marked an early victory for Black Americans in gaining equitable income and job opportunities.
Highlight: President Truman's Executive Order 9981 in 1948 was a significant step, desegregating the U.S. military and allowing Black officers to lead troops.
The experiences of Black servicemen in World War II played a crucial role in advancing the civil rights cause:
- Black officers gained leadership opportunities and earned medals
- Their service fostered a sense of pride and trust in the country
- The war served as a catalyst for pursuing equality
Example: While Black officers could lead all-Black troops, white officers could lead any troops, highlighting the persistent inequality.
The Role of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, with his leadership and oratory skills inspiring millions:
- The 1963 Washington March, attended by 250,000 people, featured King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech
- The event was televised, garnering international support for the movement
Quote: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'" - Martin Luther King Jr.
King's tactics included:
- Using children in peaceful protests to demonstrate the movement's non-violent approach
- Providing visual evidence of the struggles faced by Black Americans
While King's contributions were significant, some argue that the movement was too "King-centric," overshadowing the efforts of other important figures and organizations.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Higher History USA Civil Rights Movement: Summary, Essay & Quizlet
K
Katie
@katiekeenan8
The Civil Rights Movementin the USA was a pivotal period in American history, marked by significant struggles and achievements in the fight for racial equality. This summary provides an overview of key events and figures that shaped the movement... Show more
The Role of Black Civil Rights Organizations
Civil rights organizations played a crucial role in structuring and advancing the movement:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , established in 1909, focused on:
- Pressuring politicians to enact change
- Fighting discrimination in schools through legal means
Highlight: The NAACP's efforts led to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which legally enforced school desegregation.
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee was formed to give young people a voice in the movement:
- Organized freedom rides to challenge segregation in interstate travel
- Gained sympathy and support after facing violence from groups like the Ku Klux Klan
Vocabulary: Freedom Rides were bus trips through the Southern United States to protest segregation in interstate bus terminals.
These organizations provided the structural backbone for the Civil Rights Movement, although some, like the SNCC, became more radical over time and eventually disbanded.
Continued Prejudice and Discrimination
Despite progress, prejudice and discrimination persisted:
The case of Oliver Brown v. Board of Education in 1952 challenged school segregation:
- Led to the desegregation of schools across the USA
- However, other public areas remained segregated
Example: While schools were desegregated, restaurants and other public spaces often remained segregated for years afterward.
The tragic murder of Emmett Till in 1955 highlighted the extreme racism still present:
- Till's body was found in a river after a confrontation with a white man
- His mother's decision to have an open-casket funeral exposed the brutality of racism to the nation
Highlight: The death of Emmett Till, while tragic, served as a catalyst for growing support for the Civil Rights Movement.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Emergence of Effective Black Leaders
The Civil Rights Movement saw the rise of several influential Black leaders who continued to push for equality:
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott:
- Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger
- Her action sparked a citywide bus boycott
- The boycott led to the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery
Definition: The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a civil rights protest in which African Americans refused to ride city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, to protest segregated seating.
Ralph Abernathy's leadership:
- Became president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference after King's assassination
- Worked to continue King's vision and goals
- Often overlooked in historical accounts despite his significant contributions
These leaders built upon King's legacy and helped realize the impact of the Civil Rights Movement:
- They demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing
- Their efforts led to tangible changes in laws and social attitudes
- Their work highlighted the ongoing struggle for equality beyond King's lifetime
Highlight: The emergence of diverse leadership within the Civil Rights Movement ensured its continuity and effectiveness even after the loss of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Background of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement gained momentum in response to the discriminatory Jim Crow laws in the Southern United States. These laws enforced segregation in public spaces, including schools and cafes, shocking many in the North and fueling the desire for change.
Definition: Jim Crow laws were state and local statutes that legalized racial segregation in the Southern United States.
A. Philip Randolph's efforts to pressure the president for fair employment practices marked an early victory for Black Americans in gaining equitable income and job opportunities.
Highlight: President Truman's Executive Order 9981 in 1948 was a significant step, desegregating the U.S. military and allowing Black officers to lead troops.
The experiences of Black servicemen in World War II played a crucial role in advancing the civil rights cause:
- Black officers gained leadership opportunities and earned medals
- Their service fostered a sense of pride and trust in the country
- The war served as a catalyst for pursuing equality
Example: While Black officers could lead all-Black troops, white officers could lead any troops, highlighting the persistent inequality.
The Role of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, with his leadership and oratory skills inspiring millions:
- The 1963 Washington March, attended by 250,000 people, featured King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech
- The event was televised, garnering international support for the movement
Quote: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'" - Martin Luther King Jr.
King's tactics included:
- Using children in peaceful protests to demonstrate the movement's non-violent approach
- Providing visual evidence of the struggles faced by Black Americans
While King's contributions were significant, some argue that the movement was too "King-centric," overshadowing the efforts of other important figures and organizations.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user