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Year 11 - History

Early opposition to the civil rights movement

The USA, 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study a modern society and the issues that affected it in great depth over a shorter period. They learn about the key events, developments, people and stories that shaped this modern society over a period of around twenty to thirty years.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the different forms of opposition to the civil rights movement.

Key Notes

  • The KKK gained more support as opposition to the civil rights movement grew.
  • Increased opposition led to increase violence (e.g. the murder of Emmett Till).
  • The White Citizens' Councils were an example of organised opposition to civil rights in the south.
  • There was opposition to the civil rights movement within the US government, often led by the 'Dixiecrats'.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • lynching: lynching is when someone is killed for an offence without a trial, usually by an armed group
  • federal: a federal government is a system of government where these is one central government that controls a collection of smaller state governments
  • manifesto: a manifesto is a public declaration of policy and aims
  • Dixiecrat: a Dixiecrat was a Southern Democrat party politician, known for their opposition to the civil rights movement
  • filibuster: a filibuster is a prolonged action (e.g. a speech) that aims to prevent the passing of a law

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Opposition to the civil rights movement was limited to organisations formed by the public

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The KKK gained more support as opposition to the civil rights movement grew. Increased opposition led to increase violence (e.g. the murder of Emmett Till).

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'lynching'

lynching is when someone is killed for an offence without a trial, usually by an armed group.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Opposition to the civil rights movement was limited to organisations formed by the public. Correction: Opposition to the civil rights movement was organised both within the public and within the US government.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 History guide library.