Uni Outline

The Civil Rights Movement expanded in the USA in the 1950s and the 1960s for a number of important reasons. Firstly, although the movement did not take place until the 50’s & 60’s the ideals and principles behind it were formed a few decades earlier. The war which was to end all wars, WWII, was where the American war machine both required and incorporated many black soldiers into its ranks. Which as a direct result first gave black men a sense of pride and confidence in fighting for democracy, equality & peace; things which they did not possess back home. The many protests against segregation, recognised in public transport, workplaces and education, however, namely the Bus Boycott of 55’ gave rise to the movement especially in the eyes of the media. Therefore, the fight for civil rights was ever more present on the televisions and radios of not just the states but the wider world also. The sit-ins and freedom rides of the 60’s gave the movement a new lease of life. By 1963, the position of black persons in the USA was far different from that of 53’ culminating in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which was a major breakthrough in the struggle for equality. Of course, the fight was brought forward by a few individuals but the many organisations like the NAACP, CORE and SCLC which were created for the purpose of desegregation and black civil rights. These rights culminated in the reintroduction of the right to vote by 1965.
The idea for freedom & equal rights grew out of the aftermath of WWII which was where many black Americans fought in the name of democracy for not only a government but a country which did not offer those men & women the same right. The Democratic Party in the United States did take on the issue surrounding black equality. Perhaps, the potential for future votes was behind the uptake of the ever growing political issue however there was a growing sense if racism had been so bitterly fought abroad then why do we still harbour it here