5-3 Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 1_Fournier.Ashley
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Feb 20, 2024
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5-3 Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 1
Ashley Fournier
Southern New Hampshire University
HIS: 200 – Applied History 02/12/2024
HIS 200: Applied History 5-3 Historical Analysis Essay Progress Check 1
Revised Thesis:
Amidst the growing demand for equal rights, the March from Selma to Montgomery played a pivotal role in advancing the civil rights agenda and translating it into legislation.
Introduction:
The 1960s marked a transformative period in American history, characterized by significant social change and activism. Among the landmark legislative achievements of this era stands the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in response to mounting protests and violent confrontations between African American citizens and
law enforcement. Amidst the burgeoning movement for equal rights, the March from Selma to Montgomery emerged as a catalyst, propelling the civil rights agenda forward and eventually translating it into legislation.
For generations, African Americans have waged a relentless struggle for equal rights. Following the abolition of slavery in 1863 and the subsequent Civil War, the push for equal voting rights gained momentum. The passage of the 13th and 14th Amendments laid the groundwork for this endeavor, yet it wasn't until 1869 with the ratification of the 15th Amendment that tangible progress was achieved. However, this progress was met with vehement
opposition from racist factions within white America, epitomized by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, who employed violence and intimidation to thwart efforts towards equality.
HIS-200: Applied History
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Despite legislative efforts such as the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871, which sought to protect African Americans from voter suppression tactics, the end of Reconstruction in 1877 ushered in a period of waning federal enforcement. Southern whites, threatened by African American political participation, resorted to legal mechanisms such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and segregation laws to disenfranchise black voters. The Supreme Court's endorsement of segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson further entrenched racial disparities, perpetuating disenfranchisement well into the 20th century.
Despite subsequent attempts by Congress to enact civil rights legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1957, progress remained elusive. It wasn't until the ascension of Lyndon B. Johnson to the presidency, following the assassination of JFK, that significant strides were made.
President Johnson's commitment to civil rights culminated in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which laid the groundwork for subsequent legislative actions, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The catalyst for the Voting Rights Act can be traced back to the events of "Bloody Sunday" on March 7, 1965, when peaceful protestors in Selma were brutally assaulted by state troopers. This televised display of violence galvanized public opinion and prompted President Johnson to address Congress just eight days later, proposing comprehensive voting rights legislation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law on August 6th, outlawed discriminatory practices that disenfranchised people of color, marking a significant milestone in the struggle for civil rights.
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HIS-200: Applied History
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Conclusion:
While the passage of the Voting Rights Act represented a watershed moment in the quest for equality, it was but one step in a broader journey towards dismantling systemic racism. Recent events, such as gerrymandering controversies in North Carolina, underscore the enduring challenges in safeguarding the rights of all American citizens. President Johnson's poignant words, delivered during the tumultuous era of the civil rights movement, remind us that the fight for equality transcends individual identities and remains a collective endeavor for all Americans.
Personal Reflection:
Exploring the history of the civil rights movement and the struggle for voting rights has been an enlightening journey, shedding light on the injustices endured by African Americans throughout history. Delving into the political landscape of the time and the pivotal role of key figures like President Johnson has deepened my understanding of this crucial period in American
history. Moving forward, further research into opposing viewpoints and the intricacies of political dynamics promises to enrich my perspective on this complex subject matter.