Little Rock Nine

Definition

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957, marking a significant moment in the American civil rights movement. Their courageous efforts to integrate the all-white school faced intense opposition, including resistance from state officials, which highlighted the struggle for racial equality and the enforcement of desegregation following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Rock Nine were initially prevented from entering Central High School by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, who deployed the National Guard to block their entry.
2. On September 25, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to escort the students into the school, asserting federal authority over state actions.
3. The intense media coverage of the Little Rock Nine brought national attention to the civil rights movement and highlighted the violent resistance against desegregation.
4. Despite facing harassment and hostility from their peers, the Little Rock Nine continued to attend classes throughout the school year, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience.
5. The events surrounding the Little Rock Nine were pivotal in galvanizing support for civil rights legislation and helped to inspire future activism across the country.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Little Rock Nine challenge segregation laws in Arkansas?
  • The actions of the Little Rock Nine challenged segregation laws by directly confronting and defying the status quo in an all-white high school. Their enrollment at Central High School was a response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which mandated desegregation. By attending despite significant opposition, they not only highlighted the injustices of segregation but also set a powerful example of activism that inspired others to fight for civil rights.
• Analyze the role of federal government intervention in the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine.
  • Federal government intervention was crucial during the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine as it highlighted the conflict between state and federal authority regarding civil rights. When Governor Faubus used the National Guard to prevent the students from entering school, President Eisenhower's decision to send federal troops was a clear assertion of federal power over state actions. This intervention not only ensured the safety of the students but also reinforced the government's commitment to enforcing desegregation laws.
• Evaluate how the events involving the Little Rock Nine impacted public perception and policy regarding civil rights in America.
  • The events involving the Little Rock Nine had a profound impact on public perception and policy regarding civil rights in America by shedding light on the harsh realities of segregation and discrimination. The intense media coverage brought their struggle into homes across America, eliciting empathy and outrage from many who previously may not have been aware of these issues. This heightened awareness contributed to growing support for civil rights initiatives, ultimately leading to significant legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and energizing movements advocating for racial equality across the nation.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, serving as a catalyst for the civil rights movement.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: Legislation that prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and aimed to end segregation in public places and schools.

Orval Faubus: The governor of Arkansas who opposed school desegregation and infamously called in the National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School.