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Year 11 - History

The James Meredith case (1962)

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 case of James Meredith and explain the significance of Kennedy's role.

Key Notes

  • After the Brown v. Topeka ruling, many universities were slow to desegregate in the south - if at all.
  • James Meredith had tried several times to enrol at the University of Mississippi, with no success.
  • With the support of President Kennedy, James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1962.
  • Federal intervention in the James Meredith case led to the 'Battle of Oxford'.
  • Despite continued resistance across the south, federal intervention showed that attitudes were changing.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • enrol: to enrol means to officially register as a student on a university course

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • US presidents would only use federal intervention when pressured by the media.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

After the Brown v. Topeka ruling, many universities were slow to desegregate in the south - if at all. James Meredith had tried several times to enrol at the University of Mississippi, with no success.

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

to enrol means to officially register as a student on a university course.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: US presidents would only use federal intervention when pressured by the media. Correction: Kennedy marked a change in the involvement of the president, as he was not pressured by the media to use federal intervention to support Meredith. Unlike in Little Rock, Kennedy's support came before the outbreak of violence from white Americans.

More Lessons In This Unit

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