Who was the president during the civil rights movement?

Who was the President during the Civil Rights Movement?

The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal period in American history, marked by widespread protests, marches, and civil disobedience aimed at achieving racial equality and ending segregation. The movement spanned from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, with the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) and John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) bookending the early years of the movement. However, it was Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) who played a crucial role in shaping the movement and passing landmark legislation.

Early Years: Eisenhower and Kennedy

During the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy played a significant role in shaping the course of the movement. Eisenhower, a Republican, was initially hesitant to take a strong stance on civil rights, fearing backlash from Southern Democrats. However, he did take steps to address the issue, including:

• Integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas: In 1957, Eisenhower deployed federal troops to Little Rock to enforce the desegregation of Central High School, which had been resisted by local authorities.
• Establishment of the Civil Rights Commission: In 1957, Eisenhower established the President’s Committee on Civil Rights, which was tasked with investigating and reporting on racial discrimination in the United States.

John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, was more vocal on the issue of civil rights, and his presidency saw significant advancements in the movement. Some notable events during his presidency include:

• Amendments to the Civil Rights Act: In 1960, Kennedy submitted a civil rights bill to Congress, which was ultimately passed in 1964 under the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.
• Address to the Nation on Civil Rights: In 1963, Kennedy delivered a televised address to the nation, calling for greater efforts to address racial discrimination and inequality.

The Turning Point: Lyndon B. Johnson

The presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson marked a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. Johnson, a Democrat, was a key player in the passage of landmark legislation, including:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964: Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law on July 2, 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin.
• Voting Rights Act of 1965: Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law on August 6, 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting practices.
• Medgar Evers Civil Rights Act: Johnson signed the Medgar Evers Civil Rights Act into law on June 22, 1968, which expanded federal jurisdiction over civil rights cases.

Johnson’s presidency was marked by significant progress in the Civil Rights Movement, including:

• March on Washington: In 1963, Johnson attended the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
• Establishment of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: In 1965, Johnson established the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which aimed to address issues of segregation and discrimination in housing.

Conclusion

The presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson played a crucial role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement. While each president had their own approach to addressing racial inequality, it was Johnson who ultimately passed landmark legislation that aimed to address the issue. The Civil Rights Movement was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and understanding the role of the presidency in this period is essential for grasping the full scope of the movement.

Timeline of Key Events

Key Figures

Additional Resources

• "The Civil Rights Movement: A Very Short Introduction" by Adam Fairclough
• "Lyndon B. Johnson and the Civil Rights Movement" by Robert Dallek
• "Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Civil Rights Movement" by David A. Nichols
• "John F. Kennedy and the Civil Rights Movement" by Thomas J. Knock