There were many rapid changes in America in the 20th century, some of which shaped entire generations. One of the major historical events that had a significant impact on how Americans redefined themselves during that century is the Civil Rights Movement. Minorities, specifically black Americans, had always been kept inferior. This movement reinvented the way they were seen as a result of them actively fighting for their equal rights; which created a foundation for the next generation. The Civil Rights Movement was the most influential movement in the 20th century because Americans redefined themselves politically and educationally by transforming race relations which created equality, diversity, and racial integration.
‘Brown v. Board of Education’ contributed to the Civil Rights Movement by introducing the privilege of an education. “Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment” (U.S. Supreme Court, paragraph 5). This shows how Americans redefined themselves educationally by transforming race relations.
‘Theme for English B’ is related to the Civil Rights Movement because the author shows his views connecting the two cultures together. “I guess being colored doesn't make me not like/ the same thing other folks like who are other races” (Hughes, lines 25- 26). “Yet a part of me, as I am a part of you./ That’s American” (Hughes, lines 32- 33). This shows how Americans redefined themselves by transforming race relations including equality and diversity.
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The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom aimed to draw attention to continuing challenges and inequalities faced by African Americans a century after emancipation. “In 1963, in the wake of violent attacks on civil rights demonstrators in Birmingham, Alabama, momentum built for another mass protest on the nation’s capital” (History, 7). “With Randolph planning a march for jobs, and King and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) planning one for freedom, the two groups decided to merge their efforts into one mass protest” (History, 8). This text evidence supports my claim by showing how the movement reinvented the way African Americans were seen as a result of them actively fighting for their equal rights, which created a foundation for the next generation.
And finally, the Montgomery Bus Boycott. On June 5, 1956, a Montgomery federal court ruled that any law requiring racially segregated seating on buses violated the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Integration, however, met with significant resistance and even violence. “While the buses themselves were integrated, Montgomery maintained segregated bus stops. Snipers began firing into buses, and one shooter shattered both legs of a pregnant African American passenger. In January 1957, four black churches and the homes of prominent black leaders were bombed; a bomb at King’s house was defused” (History, 16-17). This text evidence supports the opposing side’s claim by giving examples of the violence that took place after the boycott, which represents the negative effects of the movement. The Montgomery Bus Boycott prospered far beyond the integrating of public buses. It inspired activism and participation in the national Civil Rights Movement. “The Montgomery Bus Boycott was significant on several fronts. First, it is widely regarded as the earliest mass protest on behalf of civil rights in the United States, setting the stage for additional large-scale actions outside the court system to bring about fair treatment for African Americans” (History, 18). “The boycott also brought national and international attention to the civil rights struggles occurring in the United States, as more than 100 reporters visited Montgomery during the boycott to profile the effort and its leaders” (History, 21). This text evidence supports my rebuttal to the opposing side’s claim by showing the positive effects of the movement that go beyond integration.
The Civil Rights Movement, the most influential movement in the 20th century, helped break racial barriers which helped America as a whole. Also, the movement helped future generations have the privilege of equality.
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