Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine refers to a group of nine African American students who, in 1957, became the first to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. This event symbolized the struggle for civil rights and highlighted the resistance to desegregation in the southern United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine faced severe hostility and violence when they attempted to enter Central High School, highlighting the intense racial tensions of the time.
2. President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to ensure the students' safety and uphold the law after Governor Faubus withdrew the National Guard.
3. The Little Rock Nine's courageous efforts were met with both support and opposition, reflecting the divided sentiments within American society regarding civil rights.
4. The event garnered national attention and was pivotal in raising awareness about the struggle for desegregation in schools, influencing public opinion.
5. Each of the nine students had unique experiences during their time at Central High School, showcasing the personal impact of systemic racism on individual lives.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine influence public perception of desegregation in schools?
  • The actions of the Little Rock Nine brought national attention to the challenges faced during school desegregation. Their courageous stand against hostility demonstrated the stark reality of racism and injustice in American education. This visibility helped shift public perception, garnering support for civil rights and pressuring policymakers to take stronger action against segregation.
• Evaluate Governor Orval Faubus's role in the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine and how his actions reflected broader societal attitudes toward desegregation.
  • Governor Orval Faubus played a crucial role in opposing the integration of Central High School by initially deploying the National Guard to block the Little Rock Nine. His actions reflected a widespread resistance to desegregation among southern leaders and communities who believed that integration threatened their way of life. Faubus’s stance also exemplified how political figures could influence public attitudes towards civil rights during this turbulent period.
• Assess how the events involving the Little Rock Nine contributed to legislative changes related to civil rights in subsequent years.
  • The events surrounding the Little Rock Nine significantly contributed to legislative changes regarding civil rights, as they highlighted the federal government's responsibility to uphold constitutional rights against state opposition. The national outrage over their treatment spurred further activism and laid groundwork for future legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This pivotal moment illustrated that grassroots efforts, combined with federal intervention, were essential in advancing civil rights and enforcing desegregation across the nation.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education:

A landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting the stage for integration efforts across the country.

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans.

Governor Orval Faubus: The governor of Arkansas who opposed integration and deployed the National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School.