US History --
The Civil Rights Movements of the 1950’s, 60’s & 70’s -- Unit Outline
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s is one of the most significant political and social struggles in
American history. Similar to the Progressive Era of the early 20th Century, the Civil Rights Movement was “bottom up” in character,
illustrating the power that direct citizen action can have on influencing political and social change. During this unit we will
acknowledge the brave people and amazing events of this period, and reflect on how the issues we study relate to everyone in our
modern nation – not only racial minorities.
The first part of the unit will focus on how African-Americans pushed for political, social and economic equality during this
period. Particular attention will be paid to how and why the tactics and goals of many African-Americans evolved as the movement
progressed. Next, we will investigate how the black civil rights movement acted as a catalyst for a variety of other groups (including
women, Latinos & Native Americans) to rise up and demand change. Finally, we will examine the modern legacies of the Civil
Rights Movement and consider civil rights issues that still face us today.
The primary in-class activities during most of this unit will involve viewing documentary video segments and analyzing
primary source readings. We will learn directly from the images and words of those involved and then write reflectively on and
discuss the issues raised to refine our understanding of this influential period in American history. Also, it is important to keep in
mind the other events happening simultaneously as this movement is occurring. Remember that this is not only happening during the
Cold War, but also during the economic boom of the 1950s, the Vietnam War which characterized much of the 1960s and the counterculture movement of the late “60s and early ‘70s.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
What were the accomplishments and limitations of the struggle for equal civil rights for African Americans during the
1950’s, 60’s & 70’s and how did the efforts of blacks influence other civil rights struggles at the time?
READ pp. 700 -716 by Friday 3/27:
1. Why did the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1896 hurt African-Americans for the next fifty years?
2. What were the causes of and the reactions to the Brown v. Board of Education case of 1954?
3. Describe one example of “civil disobedience” against racial segregation and one example of “direct action” against voting
discrimination & explain why each was effective.
4. Explain how both media coverage and the federal government helped the cause of African-American civil rights.
Plessy v, Ferguson, Jim Crow Laws, NAACP, Brown v. Board of Education, Southern Manifesto, “Little Rock Nine”,
Montgomery Bus Boycotts., SCLC, Lunch Counter Sit-Ins, Freedom Riders, James Meredith, George Wallace, Civil
Rights Acts (1964 & 65), Freedom Summer, Selma Campaign
READ pp. 717-723 by Friday 4/3
1. Why did “de facto” segregation lead to anger and violence in many black urban neighborhoods by the late 1960’s?
2. Why did the Nation of Islam appeal to many urban blacks and why did Malcolm X eventually leave the movement?
3. How do “Black Power”, the Black Panthers & Stokely Carmichael all show a shift in the Movement by the late ‘60s?
4. What were the main accomplishments & limitations of the civil rights movement for blacks by the end of the 60’s?
“de facto” & “de jure” Segregation, Watts Riots, Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Black Panthers, Kerner
Commission, Civil Rights Act (1968), Affirmative Action
Focus Questions within the Unit
What is the difference between the “Short” Movement and the “Long” Movement?
What was the legal evolution of civil rights?
How did de facto segregation differ from de jure segregation and what impact did the differences have on the
movement?
Why did the movement require both leadership and grass-roots efforts?
How did the movement evolve from peaceful to more militant?