The Factors That Affected The Civil Rights Movement

What would the Civil Rights Movement be without its eminent leaders? Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and The Black Panthers achieved many important goals that affected the Civil Rights Movement tremendously. Without them, this movement wouldn't be as triumphant due to the fact it took place during the vietnam war. Theses leaders were also able to overcome the difficulty the draft proposed to blacks. The Civil Rights Movement is one of the most influential movements in American history. However, this movement would not be as successful if it wasn't for its strong and influential leaders.
Due to the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement taking place at the same time, less attention focused on Civil Rights. Many historians agree that the Civil Rights Movement was a casualty of war. President Johnson wasn't able to do nearly enough due to the fact he shifted most attention to the war and foreign affairs. The war also ushered in a more conservative era, where people became further hostile toward the movement. Despite all these negative factors, King, Malcolm, and the Black Panthers
However, historian James Westheider believes the war and the draft was more destructive toward the black community. He states, “The draft had a weird effect of taking the best and the brightest — the ones that could have stayed and made a difference.” This threw a small wrench in the movement due to the loss of new leaders and supporters that could help shape the outcome of the movement. Another problem with being drafted was the racism of other white soldiers. Black soldiers often had to deal with racial slurs, unfair treatment, and violence toward them from fellow soldiers. This caused greater hostility between whites and blacks in Vietnam and at home. Regardless, of all these obstacles the Civil Rights Movement persevered and its leaders were able to make outstanding