March on Washington

Definition

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, held on August 28, 1963, was a pivotal demonstration in the American civil rights movement where over 250,000 people gathered to advocate for economic equality and civil rights for African Americans. This event is most famously remembered for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, which called for an end to racism and a vision of a racially integrated and harmonious America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The March on Washington is often seen as a turning point in the civil rights movement, bringing national attention to the struggles faced by African Americans.
2. The event was organized by a coalition of civil rights leaders, including A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, who worked together to create a unified message.
3. Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial and is credited with galvanizing public support for civil rights legislation.
4. The March helped set the stage for the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
5. The March on Washington was not just about civil rights; it also addressed economic issues, calling for jobs and fair wages for all Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the March on Washington influence public opinion regarding civil rights in America?
  • The March on Washington significantly influenced public opinion by showcasing the determination of African Americans to fight against discrimination and demand equality. With over 250,000 participants, it highlighted the widespread support for civil rights across different races and backgrounds. Dr. King's powerful speech resonated with many Americans, bringing issues of racial injustice into mainstream discussions and mobilizing greater support for legislative changes.
• Discuss the coalition of leaders who organized the March on Washington and their goals.
  • The March on Washington was organized by a diverse coalition of civil rights leaders including A. Philip Randolph, who advocated for economic justice, and Bayard Rustin, who played a crucial role in planning the event. Their goals included advocating for comprehensive civil rights legislation, job opportunities, fair wages, and an end to segregation. The unity among various organizations emphasized the intersectionality of social justice issues that were pertinent during this period.
• Evaluate the impact of the March on Washington on subsequent civil rights legislation and movements in America.
  • The March on Washington had a profound impact on subsequent civil rights legislation and movements by generating momentum that led directly to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The visibility and participation at the march mobilized citizens across the country to advocate for change, making it clear that there was significant support for civil rights among not only African Americans but also white allies. This increased pressure on lawmakers resulted in stronger protections against racial discrimination and inspired future activism aimed at achieving equality.

Related terms

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and aimed to end segregation in schools, at the workplace, and in public accommodations.

NAACP:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization founded in 1909 that played a crucial role in the civil rights movement through legal challenges and advocacy for racial equality.

Selma to Montgomery marches: A series of marches in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, that were organized to protest racial discrimination and voting rights violations against African Americans.