Review questions chapter 14
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Latrice Wells
Dr. Abu Toure
Hist 2224
November 24, 2023
Review questions: chapter 14
1.
What impact did the Cold War have on the black freedom movement? How did
black organizations adapt to post war changes? What were the outcomes, both
negative and positive, for the movement in its direction?
The Cold War had a significant impact on the black freedom movement in the
United States. Here are some key points to consider:
Internationalization: The Cold War created a global stage that allowed the
black freedom movement to gain international attention. The United
States, as a leader of the free world, faced criticism from other nations
regarding its treatment of African Americans. This international pressure
increased the visibility and legitimacy of the movement.
Cold War Rhetoric: The rhetoric of democracy and freedom that the
United States used in its Cold War propaganda created a contradiction
with its segregationist policies. African American leaders skillfully
employed this contradiction to challenge racial inequality and demand
civil rights, arguing that the United States could not legitimately champion
freedom abroad while denying it to its own citizens.
Civil Rights Legislation: The Cold War context influenced some
policymakers to address racial inequality in the United States. They
feared that the segregationist policies would hurt America's international
image and potentially aid communist narratives. Consequently, the
movement witnessed positive outcomes such as the passage of significant
civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Repression and Surveillance: The Cold War also led to increased
repression and surveillance of the black freedom movement. The FBI,
under J. Edgar Hoover's leadership, targeted black organizations like the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the Black
Panther Party (BPP). These groups faced infiltration, harassment, and
attempts to disrupt their activities, hindering their progress.
Red Scare and Divisions: The Red Scare, the fear of communism, created
divisions within the black freedom movement. Some black organizations,
including the NAACP, distanced themselves from more radical groups
like the BPP, fearing association with communism would tarnish their
credibility and effectiveness. These divisions weakened the overall unity
of the movement.
Black Radicalism and Pan-Africanism: The Cold War era also saw the
rise of black radicalism and Pan-Africanism within the black freedom
movement. Leaders like Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael advocated
for black self-determination and rejected the integrationist approach. They
sought international solidarity and drew inspiration from liberation
movements in Africa and the Caribbean.
Overall, the Cold War had complex and mixed outcomes for the black freedom
movement. While it provided opportunities for international support and
legislative victories, it also amplified repression and divisions. The movement's
trajectory shifted as more radical voices emerged, challenging the dominant
narrative, and advocating for black power and self-determination.
2.
Given the triumphs and tragedies of the southern movements early years, how
would you assess the strategy of nonviolent direct-action protest? How effective
was it? What were its benefits and drawbacks?
The strategy of nonviolent direct-action protest employed by the Southern
movements in their early years can be assessed from multiple perspectives. Here
are some considerations regarding its effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks:
Effectiveness: Nonviolent direct-action protest proved to be a highly effective
strategy for the Southern movements in many ways. It drew attention to the
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injustices faced by African Americans, created a moral high ground for the
movement, and generated sympathy and support from both domestic and
international sources. The nonviolent approach also exposed the violent response
of segregationist authorities, further discrediting their cause.
Benefits:
Moral High Ground: Nonviolent direct-action protest allowed the
Southern movements to maintain a moral high ground, emphasizing the
unjust nature of racial segregation and discrimination. This enabled them
to garner broader support and empathetic understanding from the public.
Media Attention: Nonviolent protests attracted significant media
attention, helping to bring the civil rights struggle to the forefront of
national and international consciousness. This increased visibility was a
crucial factor in gaining public support and pressurizing policymakers.
Drawbacks:
Risk of Violence: Nonviolent direct-action protests were met with violent
opposition from segregationists and law enforcement. This resulted in
physical harm, imprisonment, and even loss of life for activists involved.
The risk of violence was a constant threat to the safety and well-being of
participants.
Limited Pace of Change: Nonviolent direct-action protests often faced
systemic resistance and slow progress. While they raised awareness and
initiated change, they did not always produce immediate legislative or
policy transformations. This frustration led some activists to question the
effectiveness of nonviolence as a sole strategy.
Overall, nonviolent direct-action protest proved to be a powerful and
transformative approach for the Southern movements. Its effectiveness can be
seen in the significant legislative and societal changes that were eventually
achieved. However, it also had its drawbacks, primarily in the form of violence
and the slow pace of change. The movement adapted and diversified its strategies
over time, incorporating other tactics such as litigation, voter registration drives,
and economic boycotts to complement nonviolent protest.
3.
How would you compare the degrees and types of segregation and institutional
racism that characterized the South, north, and west in this era? In what ways was
progress in the north and West even slower than that in the South?
During the era of racial segregation and institutional racism, the degrees and types
of these practices varied across different regions in the United States: the South,
North, and West. Here's a comparison of these regions and how progress in the
North and West could sometimes be slower than in the South:
The South:
- The South was known for its overt and legally sanctioned segregation, referred
to as Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in various aspects of life
such as education, public facilities, and voting.
- Segregation was deeply entrenched in Southern society, with separate facilities
for black and white individuals and systemic discrimination in employment,
housing, and public services.
- Racial violence and intimidation, including lynchings and the Ku Klux Klan,
were commonplace in the South.
The North:
- While the North did not have legally sanctioned segregation like the South, de
facto segregation and institutional racism still existed.
- Housing segregation, known as redlining, was prevalent in many Northern cities.
This practice restricted African Americans' access to better neighborhoods and
resources.
- Discrimination in employment and education also persisted, albeit in more
subtle ways.
The West:
- The West had its own form of racial segregation and discrimination, though it
differed from the South and the North.
- In the Western states, segregation was often enforced through informal means
such as social norms and policies rather than explicit laws.
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- Chinese immigrants and later Japanese Americans faced discriminatory policies,
such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese internment during World War II.
Progress in the North and West:
- While progress was made in the South with the civil rights movement and
federal legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of
1965, the North and West still lagged in addressing racial inequality.
- Discrimination and segregation were deeply ingrained in Northern and Western
institutions, making it more challenging to dismantle.
- The North and West often portrayed themselves as more racially progressive,
leading to complacency and a slower pace of change.
Overall, it is important to recognize that racial segregation and institutional racism
were pervasive across the country, albeit manifesting in different ways. While
progress was made in the South due to the civil rights movement, the North and
West faced their own unique challenges, resulting in slower progress in
addressing racial inequality.
4.
How was the 1963 March on Washington for jobs and freedom both the height of
the classic civil rights movement and an indicator of the tensions that had been
building within it?
The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a pivotal event in the
classic Civil Rights Movement, representing both its height and the tensions
within it. Here's a closer look at these aspects:
Height of the Movement: The March on Washington was a major demonstration
of unity and collective action. It brought together an estimated 250,000
participants, making it one of the largest political rallies in American history. The
event showcased the power and determination of the Civil Rights Movement in
advocating for racial equality and justice. It also highlighted the movement's
ability to mobilize diverse groups, including civil rights organizations, labor
unions, and religious institutions.
Indicator of Tensions: Despite the outward appearance of unity, tensions had been
building within the Civil Rights Movement. These tensions stemmed from
differences in ideology, goals, and strategies among the various groups involved.
For example, there were disagreements regarding the prioritization of racial
justice versus economic equality. Some activists favored a more confrontational
and militant approach, while others advocated for nonviolent resistance.
Additionally, tensions existed between younger activists pushing for more radical
change and older leaders advocating for more incremental progress.
The March itself reflected these tensions to some extent, as organizers had to
navigate a delicate balance between different viewpoints to maintain broad
participation. The focus on jobs and economic opportunity was an attempt to
address the economic disparities facing African Americans, which some saw as
diverting attention from the larger goal of ending racial segregation and
discrimination. Despite these tensions, the March successfully conveyed a
message of unity and common purpose to the larger public and remains one of the
most iconic moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
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