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Year 11 - History

The role of Malcolm X in 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 role of Malcolm X in the civil rights movement, including his changing attitudes.

Key Notes

  • In his early life, Malcolm X belonged to the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam).
  • Malcolm X did not agree with the involvement of white Americans in the civil rights movement.
  • In his later life, Malcolm X changed his views and left the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam).

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Black Power: Black Power is the political name for groups aiming for self determination for black Americans
  • orator: An orator is a public speaker
  • separatism: Separatism is the belief that keeping people separate is the right thing to do; the Black Muslims believed in separating white and black Americans
  • white supremacists: white supremacists are people who believe that those identified as 'white' are superior to all other races
  • pilgrimage: A pilgrimage is a religious journey to a place of significance; Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Malcolm X's main philosophy was the use of violence in order to fight racial injustice.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

In his early life, Malcolm X belonged to the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam). Malcolm X did not agree with the involvement of white Americans in the civil rights movement.

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

Black Power is the political name for groups aiming for self determination for black Americans.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Malcolm X's main philosophy was the use of violence in order to fight racial injustice. Correction: Malcolm X supported Black Nationalism and encouraged black Americans to defend themselves by any means necessary, although this did endorse violence, Malcolm X spent much of his time with the Black Muslims supporting black Americans in poorer areas.

More Lessons In This Unit

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