---
title: "Southern Manifesto — APUSH Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The Southern Manifesto (1956) was 101 southern congressmen's pledge to resist Brown v. Board. Learn how it anchors massive resistance arguments in APUSH."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/apush/key-terms/southern-manifesto"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP US History"
---

# Southern Manifesto — APUSH Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The Southern Manifesto was a document written in 1956 by a group of southern legislators in opposition to the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The manifesto expressed a commitment to maintaining segregation and called for resistance to integration efforts. It reflects the deep-rooted racial tensions and the political landscape in the South during the civil rights movement, highlighting the pushback against federal intervention.

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Brown v. Board of Education](/apush/key-terms/brown-v-board-of-education): A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.
- [Civil Rights Movement](/apush/key-terms/civil-rights-movement): A social movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans.
- Dixiecrats: A political party that emerged in 1948, composed of southern Democrats who opposed civil rights initiatives and supported racial segregation.

### Key Facts

- The Southern Manifesto was signed by 101 members of Congress from the southern states, demonstrating widespread political opposition to desegregation.
- The manifesto claimed that the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education was a misuse of judicial power and violated states' rights.
- It encouraged southern states to resist integration efforts, leading to significant resistance and unrest in various regions.
- The document exemplified the commitment of many southern leaders to uphold Jim Crow laws and maintain racial segregation at all costs.
- The Southern Manifesto contributed to a decade of fierce debates over civil rights and set the stage for further conflicts between state and federal authorities.

### How did the Southern Manifesto reflect the attitudes of southern legislators towards desegregation following the Brown v. Board of Education decision?

The Southern Manifesto clearly demonstrated that many southern legislators were unwilling to accept the Supreme Court's ruling on desegregation. By opposing the decision, these lawmakers expressed their commitment to maintaining the status quo of racial segregation in schools. The manifesto served as a rallying cry for those who believed in states' rights and sought to resist federal mandates, reflecting a broader societal reluctance to embrace civil rights reforms.

### Evaluate the impact of the Southern Manifesto on the Civil Rights Movement and its implications for federal-state relations during this period.

The Southern Manifesto had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement by galvanizing opposition among southern politicians and citizens against integration efforts. This resistance often led to violence and unrest as local authorities worked to uphold segregation laws. The manifesto highlighted tensions between state sovereignty and federal authority, as it showcased how state leaders attempted to challenge federal mandates aimed at enforcing civil rights, setting up a complex struggle that would define this era.

### Analyze the long-term consequences of the Southern Manifesto on subsequent civil rights legislation and movements, considering how it influenced both sides of the debate.

The Southern Manifesto had lasting consequences on civil rights legislation by solidifying resistance among segregationists while simultaneously galvanizing activists for change. The strong backlash it represented reinforced the determination of civil rights leaders to fight for equality, resulting in more organized protests and legal challenges against segregation. Ultimately, it highlighted a significant divide in American society regarding race relations, contributing to further legislative actions like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to dismantle institutional racism despite ongoing opposition.