If you aim at writing an civil rights movement essay, make sure to outline main events and check samples of the well-written papers and essays on this topic. You can recognize a worthy piece by reading its introduction and conclusion. As you explore, civil rights movement essay topics, make an ...Read More
If you aim at writing an civil rights movement essay, make sure to outline main events and check samples of the well-written papers and essays on this topic. You can recognize a worthy piece by reading its introduction and conclusion. As you explore, civil rights movement essay topics, make an introduction and mention that the civil rights movement was a struggle of African Americans and their like-minded allies for social justice in the United States that came to national prominence during the mid-1950s. The purpose of this movement was to end legalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement, and racial segregation in the United States. Provide the basic background and add information on the outcomes, especially if you are dealing with cause-and-effect essay writing. The civil rights movement has started in 1954 and lasted until 1968, which is the golden period that you have to mention in your essay. You should mention the causes as you write by focusing on the legislation, racial prejudice, and the socio-economic factors that always take place. As you can see from our free samples, it is also useful to write about related personalities like John Oliver Killens or Martin Luther King, Jr. and his art of narration.
Hook Examples for Civil Rights Movement Essays
Anecdotal Hook
Imagine standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, listening to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. This moment in history epitomized the Civil Rights Movement's power and importance.
Question Hook
What does it mean to fight for civil rights? Explore the complex history, key figures, and lasting impact of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Quotation Hook
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. How did civil rights activists like King refuse to stay silent and ignite change?
Statistical or Factual Hook
Did you know that in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin? Dive into the facts and milestones of the Civil Rights Movement.
Definition Hook
What defines a civil rights movement? Explore the principles, goals, and strategies that distinguish civil rights movements from other social justice movements.
Rhetorical Question Hook
Was the Civil Rights Movement solely about racial equality, or did it pave the way for broader social change and justice? Examine the movement's multifaceted impact.
Historical Hook
Travel back in time to the mid-20th century and uncover the roots of the Civil Rights Movement, from the Jim Crow era to the landmark Supreme Court decisions.
Contrast Hook
Contrast the injustices and systemic racism faced by African Americans prior to the Civil Rights Movement with the progress made through protests, legislation, and activism.
Narrative Hook
Meet Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Follow her courageous journey and the ripple effect it had on the Civil Rights Movement.
Controversial Statement Hook
Prepare to explore the controversies within the Civil Rights Movement, such as differing strategies among activists and debates over nonviolence versus militancy.
Introduction to Brown v. Board of Education When we dive into the history of American civil rights, one case that stands out is Brown v. Board of Education, decided by the Supreme Court in 1954. This landmark ruling fundamentally transformed the educational landscape in the...
In the documentary film “A Great and Mighty Walk,” directed by St. Clair Bourne, the life and work of historian and scholar John Henrik Clarke are explored in great detail. The film provides a comprehensive overview of Clarke’s contributions to the study of African history...
In 2016, something big happened in the world of American football. A guy named Colin Kaepernick, who played for the San Francisco 49ers at the time, caused a stir by kneeling during the national anthem. He was protesting against racial injustice and police brutality, and...
Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s and 60s. Known for his controversial views on race and self-defense, Malcolm X was a significant voice in the Nation of Islam until his departure, and his...
Madame Haupt is a significant character in the novel “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo. Her role in the story is complex, and her actions and decisions have a profound impact on the lives of other characters. This essay will provide an in-depth analysis of Madame...
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, known for his powerful speeches and unwavering dedication to nonviolent protest. He possessed a unique set of characteristics that set him apart from other leaders of his time, and continue to...
In his essay The Ways of Meeting Oppression, Luther King Jr. talks about how people can deal with oppression. He looks at how oppression affects us emotionally and mentally, and he gives advice on how we can face and beat it. This essay will dig...
When we dive into the complexities of race and identity in America, one piece that stands out is “What the Black Man Wants” by Frederick Douglass. Written during a time when African Americans were fighting for their rights and dignity post-Civil War, this essay encapsulates...
The Reconstruction era in the United States, right after the Civil War, was a time of big social and political changes. The main aim of Reconstruction was to bring the Southern states back into the Union and help formerly enslaved people become full citizens. But,...
Disobedience is often viewed as a negative behavior, associated with rebellion and defiance against authority. However, throughout history, acts of disobedience have played a significant role in promoting social progress. From civil rights movements to political revolutions, disobedience has been a catalyst for change and...
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was a pivotal period in American history that sought to end racial discrimination and segregation. This essay will provide an overview of the historical context, key figures and organizations, major events and tactics, legislation and Supreme Court...
One Crazy Summer, a novel by Rita Williams-Garcia, follows three young sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, as they spend a summer in Oakland, California with their estranged mother, Cecile. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s, the novel explores...
When we think about iconic speeches in American history, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” undoubtedly stands out. Delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, this speech is not just a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement; it’s a masterclass in the...
Introduction Black History Month is a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of black individuals who have made a significant impact on society. This month serves as...
Rosa Parks: The Courage to Stand for Change Made-to-order essay as fast as you need it Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences + experts online Get my essay In the annals of American history, few names resonate as powerfully as Rosa...
Introduction: The Resonance of Freedom Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech is more than just a collection of inspiring words; it’s a profound declaration about the future of America and the world. When Dr. King speaks about allowing “freedom to...
Cesar Chavez was a big name in civil rights and labor movements. He spent his whole life standing up for farmworkers’ rights in the U.S. Thanks to him, there were some big changes in how farm labor laws worked and how workers got treated on...
The Slauson Massacre, also known as the Slauson Avenue Massacre, was a tragic event that occurred on August 11, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. The incident took place in the predominantly African American neighborhood of Watts and is often regarded as one of the most...
Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were two prominent figures in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Although they had similar goals of achieving racial equality and justice for African Americans, their approaches and ideologies differed significantly. This essay will...
One of the most significant debates in American history is the clash between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the ratification of the United States Constitution. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, advocated for a strong central government and the ratification...
In his powerful “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King Jr. outlines a compelling argument for civil disobedience against unjust laws. His claim is not merely a proclamation of rights but a deeply rooted ethical assertion that challenges the very fabric of society. Throughout the...
Malcolm X, man, what a figure! You talk about debates and controversies, he’s right up there. So much has been said about him. People seem fascinated by his character traits. As a civil rights activist, he was known for having strong beliefs, being super determined,...
Introduction Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a prominent African American activist and leader during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. His powerful oratory skills and unwavering commitment to the empowerment of Black people made him a polarizing figure in American history....
Understanding the Context In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. penned his now-famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” This powerful piece of writing came at a time when racial tensions were reaching a boiling point in America. King found himself labeled an extremist by critics who argued...
America, the land of opportunity, freedom, and diversity. Living in America offers a unique experience that is unlike any other country in the world. From its rich history to its vibrant culture, there are countless reasons why living in America is a privilege. In this...
Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans, delivered a powerful speech on May 19, 2017, regarding the removal of Confederate monuments in the city. His speech, often referred to as the “Address on the Removal of Confederate Monuments in New Orleans,” has been widely...
The historical and literary processes of the second half of the 20th century demonstrate the merging of the civil rights movement with the left-wing literary movement, driven by critical sentiments and a deep desire for social justice. This convergence is exemplified by influential figures such...
Segregation is a deeply rooted issue that has plagued societies for centuries. It is the act of setting apart or separating people or things based on specific characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. Despite efforts to address and combat segregation, it continues...
Harper Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” serves as a poignant exploration of racial injustice in the Deep South during the 1930s. One of the most harrowing moments in the book occurs when Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white...
Introduction In his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. responds to a group of white clergymen who had criticized the timing and methods of the civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama. This powerful letter not only addresses the specific criticisms leveled...
Racism, segregation, disenfranchisement, Jim Crow laws, socioeconomic inequality
Key People
W.E.B. Du Bois, Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Henry MacNeal Turner, John Oliver Killens
Main Information
Civil rights movement was a struggle of African Americans and their like-minded allies for social justice in United States that came to national prominence during the mid-1950s. The purpose was to end legalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement and racial segregation in the United States.
Jim Crow Laws
“Jim Crow” laws were established in the South beginning in the late 19th century with a purpose to separate Black people from white people. Black people couldn’t use the same public facilities as white people or go to the same schools. Although, Jim Crow laws weren’t adopted in northern states, Black people still experienced discrimination.
Forms of Protests
Forms of protest and civil disobedience included boycotts, such as the most successful Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) that lasted for 381 days in Alabama; mass marches, such as the Children's Crusade in Birmingham in 1963 and Selma to Montgomery marches (1965) in Alabama; "sit-ins" such as the Greensboro sit-ins (1960) in North Carolina and Nashville sit-ins (1960) in Tennessee.
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
The Great March on Washington was held in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. The purpose was to advocate for the civil and economic rights of African Americans. It was organized and attended by civil rights leaders such as A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King, Jr., who delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
On July 2, 1964, President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and later sexual orientation and gender identity. The act "remains one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history".
Assassination of the Leaders
The civil rights movement had tragic consequences for two of its leaders. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated at a rally and Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on his hotel room’s balcony on April 4, 1968.
Civil Rights Act of 1968
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed into law by United States President Lyndon B. Johnson during the King assassination riots. It prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, and national origin.
Legacy
The 20th-century civil rights movement produced an enduring transformation of the legal status of African Americans and other victims of discrimination.
