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 symbols of the struggle for desegregation in public schools. Their attempt to attend the all-white school was met with violent resistance, highlighting the intense opposition to the integration efforts during the Civil Rights Movement.
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The Little Rock Nine included students such as Melba Pattillo Beals and Ernest Green, who faced harassment and threats while trying to attend classes.
President Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to protect the students and ensure their right to attend school after Governor Faubus's resistance.
The events at Little Rock Central High School became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, drawing national attention to the struggles of African Americans in their fight for equality.
In 1958, after a year of turmoil and violence, Little Rock Central High School was closed temporarily by Faubus to avoid desegregation.
The courage and determination of the Little Rock Nine inspired many other African Americans to continue fighting against segregation in schools and other public places.
Review Questions
How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine challenge existing segregation laws and practices in public education?
The Little Rock Nine directly challenged segregation laws by attempting to enroll in an all-white school after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which declared such segregation unconstitutional. Their enrollment highlighted the resistance that existed at local levels, showcasing the gap between federal laws and actual practices. The violent opposition they faced underscored the deep-rooted racism in society and prompted national discussions about civil rights.
Analyze how Governor Orval Faubus's response to the Little Rock Nine impacted public perception of desegregation efforts in the South.
Governor Orval Faubus's decision to use the National Guard to block the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School had significant implications for public perception. His actions painted him as a defender of segregation, appealing to segregationist sentiments among many white citizens. However, Faubus's resistance also led to increased federal intervention, which shifted some public opinion towards supporting civil rights, as many Americans were horrified by the violent scenes witnessed during this period.
Evaluate the long-term effects of the Little Rock Nine incident on the broader Civil Rights Movement and subsequent legislation.
The long-term effects of the Little Rock Nine incident were profound, as it galvanized support for civil rights across the nation. The media coverage of their struggles brought national attention to the issue of school desegregation and influenced public sentiment regarding racial equality. This heightened awareness contributed to the passage of key legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to eliminate discrimination and enforce desegregation. The bravery of these students also served as inspiration for future generations engaged in social justice movements.
A landmark Supreme Court case from 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting the stage for the Little Rock Nine's integration efforts.
Orval Faubus: The Governor of Arkansas who opposed the integration of Little Rock Central High School and famously called in the National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering the school.
Legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and helped to further enforce desegregation efforts following events like those in Little Rock.