the freedom summer (1964)

• What was the aim of the ‘Freedom Summer’ led by CORE and SNCC?

  To educate and encourage black Americans to register to vote
• In which state did the KKK burn 61 crosses and 37 black churches during the Freedom Summer?


  Mississippi
• What was the role of protest on the president?

  Protests pressured the president to take action on civil rights issues
• What was a significant outcome of the Freedom Summer of 1964?

  Increased black voter registration in Mississippi
• How many black people registered to vote after the Freedom Summer?

  1,600 more black people
• What was the reaction of the Ku Klux Klan to the Freedom Summer?

  They launched a terrorizing backlash
• How many crosses did the Klan burn as intimidation during the Freedom Summer?

  61 crosses
• What was the fate of Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner during the Freedom Summer?

  They were murdered after being arrested
• Why did the deaths of Goodman and Schwerner receive more media attention than those of black activists?

  Because they were middle-class white students
• What was the outcome of the search for the three missing volunteers?

  Their burnt-out car was found two days later
• How many black men’s bodies were found during the search for the three volunteers?

  Eight black men
• What did the Freedom Summer aim to achieve?

  Support the cause of voting rights
• What are the two main interpretations of the Freedom Summer's achievements?

  • Increased awareness of voting rights issues
  • Significant violence and loss of life for activists
• What was the view of some people regarding the effectiveness of the Freedom Summer?

  Its effectiveness has been disputed
• What did the Freedom Summer reveal about the societal attitudes of the time?

  Racial violence was widespread and accepted
• What was the date of the Mississippi murders that shocked the nation?

  June 21, 1964
• What did the burning of black churches and homes signify during the Freedom Summer?

  Intimidation of black voters and activists
• How did the Freedom Summer impact public awareness of racial violence?


  It raised awareness due to media coverage
• What were the final points summarized about the Freedom Summer?

  • Attempt by CORE to support voting rights
  • Viewed as an invasion by southern racists
  • Klan's violent backlash raised awareness
  • Increased black voter registration, but effectiveness disputed