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Which of the following brought more change to American society after 1950: - campaigns for civil rights and equality - the actions of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson? Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 6
Which of the following brought more change to American society after 1950: - campaigns for civil rights and equality - the actions of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which of the following brought more change to American society after 1950: - campaigns for civil rights and equality - the actions of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson? Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
campaigns for civil rights and equality
Answer
The campaigns for civil rights and equality brought significant change to American society after 1950, primarily through grassroots movements and landmark legislation. Prominent events like the Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruling declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, thereby enhancing educational opportunities for African Americans. Additionally, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. organized non-violent protests, such as the 1963 March on Washington, culminating in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination. These efforts not just raised national awareness about racial injustices but also paved the way for successive legislation aimed at achieving equality, fundamentally altering societal structures.
Step 2
the actions of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson
Answer
Presidents Kennedy and Johnson played crucial roles in advancing civil rights through their political power and influence. Kennedy initially took steps to support the civil rights movement by sending federal troops to protect students like James Meredith at the University of Mississippi. Johnson continued this momentum with his 'Great Society' initiative, which included programs to combat poverty and racial injustice. Notably, Johnson's advocacy for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was instrumental in breaking barriers to voting for African Americans in the South, creating guaranteed access to the ballot. Together, their leadership catalyzed significant governmental reforms that complemented the efforts of civil rights activists.