Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine refers to a group of nine African American students who enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957, becoming significant figures in the fight against racial segregation in public schools. Their enrollment was met with severe opposition, requiring federal intervention to uphold the court's desegregation order, highlighting the complexities of presidential war powers and military authority in enforcing civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine faced hostility from white students and community members when they first attempted to attend classes, leading to a national crisis over school desegregation.
2. President Eisenhower intervened by sending the 101st Airborne Division to protect the students and ensure their right to attend school, marking a significant use of federal military authority in domestic civil rights matters.
3. The event drew national attention and became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights, influencing public opinion and the ongoing Civil Rights Movement.
4. The bravery of the Little Rock Nine inspired many others across the country to challenge segregation and advocate for equality in education.
5. Following their first year at Central High School, many of the Little Rock Nine experienced severe backlash and emotional distress, yet their courage played a vital role in advancing desegregation efforts.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine impact the federal government's stance on civil rights and desegregation?
  • The actions of the Little Rock Nine prompted a significant response from the federal government, particularly under President Eisenhower. By intervening with federal troops, Eisenhower demonstrated that the government would uphold court decisions regarding desegregation. This marked a turning point where federal authority was used not just for wartime purposes but also to enforce civil rights protections, showcasing a broader interpretation of presidential war powers.
• Discuss how the Brown v. Board of Education decision laid the groundwork for the challenges faced by the Little Rock Nine.
  • Brown v. Board of Education established that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal, thus declaring racial segregation unconstitutional. This pivotal Supreme Court ruling provided a legal framework that empowered African Americans to seek integration in schools. However, when the Little Rock Nine attempted to enroll, they faced extreme resistance from state officials and citizens, illustrating the gap between legal rulings and actual implementation of desegregation policies.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Little Rock Nine on subsequent civil rights legislation and presidential actions regarding race relations.
  • The long-term implications of the Little Rock Nine extend well beyond their immediate context, as their courage galvanized public support for civil rights and influenced subsequent legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The intervention by President Eisenhower set a precedent for future presidents to take decisive action against racial injustices, shaping policies that would further dismantle segregation. This event also reinforced the idea that federal military authority could be utilized to uphold constitutional rights, paving the way for future governmental engagement in civil rights issues.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: The landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, serving as the legal basis for the Little Rock Nine's enrollment.

Eisenhower's Executive Order: President Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision to send federal troops to Little Rock to enforce school desegregation and protect the Little Rock Nine from violent protests.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and gaining equal rights for African Americans, which was significantly influenced by events like the Little Rock Nine.