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Children’s Crusade

Definition

The Children's Crusade was a significant event during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 where thousands of school students in Birmingham, Alabama, left their classrooms to march for civil rights. They were met with violence from police officers, which drew national attention and led to major changes.

Analogy

Think of the Children's Crusade as a group project in your class where everyone decides to stand up against an unfair grading system. Despite facing detention (or worse), you all band together because you believe it's important. Just like this scenario, the children involved in the crusade faced severe consequences but stood firm because they believed in their cause.

Related terms

Birmingham Campaign: This was a strategic effort by civil rights activists to end racial segregation and discrimination in Birmingham, Alabama through direct-action protests and boycotts.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. It was partly inspired by events like the Children's Crusade.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement who advocated for nonviolent protest. He supported and helped organize events like the Children's Crusade.