the brown case (1954)

• What were the two approaches used by the NAACP to overcome the Plessy ruling?


  1. Evidence that facilities were not equal; 2. Fighting to desegregate schools and colleges.
• What was the outcome of the initial trial in 1951 regarding Linda Brown?


  The Browns lost the case due to the Plessy ruling.
• How did the NAACP contribute to the Brown vs. Topeka case?


  They bundled multiple cases together and argued against the separate but equal doctrine.
• What significant change occurred in the Supreme Court in December 1952?


  A pro-segregation judge died and was replaced by Chief Justice Earl Warren.
• What was the ruling of the Supreme Court on May 17, 1954?


  The Court ruled that separate but equal had no place in education.
• What was the significance of the Brown II ruling in 1955?


  It mandated that desegregation should occur with 'all deliberate speed'.
• Why did Linda Brown's parents take the Topeka board of education to court?


  They wanted their daughter to attend her local, better school.
• What was the outcome of the 1954 retrial on Brown vs. Topeka?


  The retrial was successful, ruling that separate but equal could not stand in education.
• Why was there a Brown II ruling in 1955?


  There was a ruling because desegregation was not happening at a sufficient speed.
• How did the NAACP support the Brown vs. Topeka case?


  They provided legal support and researched the failings of 'separate but equal'.
• What were the key events leading up to the Brown vs. Topeka case?


  1. 1951: Linda Brown had to travel far for a black school.
  2. 1951: The Browns and others sued for their children's rights.
  3. 1952: NAACP combined cases for the Supreme Court.
  4. December 1952: Supreme Court requested more legal advice.
  5. May 17, 1954: Supreme Court ruled against separate but equal.
  6. 1955: Brown II ruling mandated desegregation with 'all deliberate speed'.
• Why did the Brown ruling lead to the creation of the White Citizens Council?


  It was formed as a response to the desegregation mandate, aiming to maintain white supremacy.
• What was one short-term impact of the Brown case?

  The White Citizens Council was set up.
• By the end of 1957, how many school districts had desegregated?


  723 school districts had desegregated.
• What did the day of the Brown decision become known as in the Deep South?


  It became known as 'Black Monday'.
• What was the extreme white backlash following the Brown decision?


  It involved threats and violence against black children attending white schools.
• What did Senator Harry F. Byrd demand in response to the Brown ruling?


  He demanded 'massive resistance' to desegregation.
• What were the short-term and long-term impacts of the Brown case on education?


  Short-term impacts:

  • White Citizens Council was established.
  • Many black schools were shut down.
  • KKK membership increased.
  • Black teachers lost their jobs.

  
  

  Long-term impacts:

  • Education of black students suffered through racism.
  • Many schools claimed they would desegregate but did not.
  • Some governors resisted desegregation.
• How did the Topeka ruling impact black students in 'white' schools in the Deep South?


  It made them targets of threats and violence.
• How did the Brown vs. Topeka ruling impact the civil rights movement?


  It galvanized the movement by highlighting the need for further action against racial injustice.
• What was the implication of segregating children in education?

  It made them feel inferior
• What was the basis of the Brown versus Board of Education case?

  Segregation in public education
• What was the significance of the Brown versus Board of Education case?

  • Challenged the legality of segregation
  • Declared "separate but equal" unconstitutional
  • Paved the way for civil rights advancements
  • Marked a turning point in American education
• What is the landmark Supreme Court case discussed in 1954?


  Brown versus the Board of Education
• Who is the central figure in Brown versus the Board of Education?


  Linda Brown
• What does Linda Brown represent in this case?

  Millions of other black children
• What precedent did Brown versus the Board of Education set?


  Desegregation that lasts into the sixties
• Why did Linda Brown's family challenge the segregation?

  They felt it made black children inferior
• What was the NAACP's strategy in the Brown case?


  Focus on feelings of inferiority
• Who was the Chief Justice during the Brown case?


  Earl Warren
• What was significant about Earl Warren's appointment?

  He was against segregation
• When did the Supreme Court rule in favor of Brown?

  May 17, 1954
• What did the Supreme Court rule about segregated schools?


  They were unconstitutional
• What does "all deliberate speed" imply about desegregation?


  It could happen slowly
• How did white people in the South react to the Brown decision?


  With fury and resistance
• What was the significance of the Brown ruling for future cases?

  Set a precedent against segregation
• How did the Brown decision affect the civil rights struggle?

  It was a turning point in the struggle
• What were the main outcomes of the Brown versus Board of Education case?

  • Segregated schools declared unconstitutional
  • NAACP won the case
  • Set a precedent for future desegregation
  • Education must integrate with all deliberate speed
• What were the reactions to the Brown decision in the South?

  • Fury from white citizens
  • Formation of white citizens councils
  • Increased violence from the Ku Klux Klan
  • Job losses for black teachers
• What was the role of the NAACP in the Brown case?

  • Challenged segregation in schools
  • Focused on feelings of inferiority
  • Represented multiple families in court