Landmark Civil Rights Milestones to Know for AP US History

Landmark civil rights milestones mark crucial moments in the fight for equality in America. From the Emancipation Proclamation to the Voting Rights Act, these events shaped the legal and social landscape, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice and civil rights.

1. Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

   • Issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, it declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.
   • It shifted the war's focus to include the abolition of slavery as a goal, alongside preserving the Union.
   • The proclamation did not immediately free all enslaved people but paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery.

2. 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments (1865-1870)

   • The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
   • The 14th Amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including former slaves.
   • The 15th Amendment prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

3. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

   • This Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
   • It legitimized state laws that enforced segregation, particularly in public facilities.
   • The ruling reinforced systemic racism and discrimination, leading to widespread segregation in the South.

4. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

   • The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
   • It overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson.
   • This landmark decision was a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement, setting the stage for further desegregation efforts.

5. Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956)

   • Sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, the boycott lasted over a year.
   • African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, refused to use the city buses, leading to significant economic pressure on the bus system.
   • The boycott resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.

6. Little Rock Nine (1957)

   • A group of nine African American students enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, facing violent opposition.
   • President Eisenhower intervened by sending federal troops to enforce desegregation and protect the students.
   • This event highlighted the federal government's role in enforcing civil rights and the ongoing struggle against segregation.

7. Civil Rights Act of 1964

   • This landmark legislation prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
   • It aimed to end segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination.
   • The Act was a major legislative victory for the Civil Rights Movement and laid the groundwork for future civil rights protections.

8. Voting Rights Act of 1965

   • This Act aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, particularly in the South.
   • It prohibited discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes.
   • The Act significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans.

9. March on Washington (1963)

   • A massive rally held to advocate for civil and economic rights for African Americans, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
   • The event drew over 250,000 participants and was pivotal in raising awareness of civil rights issues.
   • It helped to galvanize public support for civil rights legislation.

10. Selma to Montgomery Marches (1965)

    • A series of marches aimed at combating voter suppression and advocating for voting rights.
    • The first march, known as "Bloody Sunday," was met with violent resistance from law enforcement, drawing national attention.
    • The marches ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, solidifying the right to vote for African Americans.