Certainly! Here's a study guide summarizing each of the topics you've listed related to United States history, and particularly focusing on civil rights and social movements:
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National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): Founded in 1909, the NAACP is one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the U.S. It aimed to combat racial discrimination and promote civil rights for African Americans through legal challenges, lobbying, and grassroots organizing.
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WWII → Civil Rights Movement (Connection): The experiences of African Americans during WWII highlighted the contradictions between fighting for freedom abroad and facing discrimination at home. The increased involvement of African Americans in the military and the labor force during the war laid the groundwork for the post-war civil rights movement.
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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954): A landmark Supreme Court case where the Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson. This decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement and helped to dismantle segregation laws.
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Sit-ins: Nonviolent protests where individuals would occupy a space (like a segregated lunch counter) to protest against racial segregation. This tactic was notably used during the early 1960s and helped to raise awareness and catalyze action for civil rights.
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Voting Rights Act of 1965: A significant piece of federal legislation designed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, especially in the South. This act aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments.
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Birmingham Protests: In 1963, civil rights activists led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. organized protests in Birmingham, Alabama, to challenge segregation. The brutality shown by police against peaceful demonstrators drew national attention and outrage, helping to galvanize the civil rights movement.
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March on Washington (1963): A massive civil rights rally where Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The event was pivotal in promoting civil rights legislation and highlighting the economic and social issues faced by African Americans.
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Filibuster: A legislative tactic used in the U.S. Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill. It became a significant tool during civil rights legislation discussions, where opponents sought to stall progress on reforms.
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Selma March: A series of marches in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, organized by civil rights activists to demand voting rights. The march was met with violent opposition, prompting national outrage and support for voting rights reforms.
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University of Alabama (George Wallace): In 1963, Governor George Wallace famously stood in the doorway of the university to prevent the enrollment of African American students, symbolizing the fight against desegregation in higher education.
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Freedom Riders: Activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern United States in 1961 to challenge the lack of enforcement of Supreme Court rulings against segregation in bus terminals. They faced violent opposition but helped to bring national attention to the civil rights cause.
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Kerner Commission: A presidential commission established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967 to investigate the causes of race riots in the 1960s. The commission concluded that racism and economic inequality were fundamental causes of civil unrest.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Non-violent Disobedient Protests: Dr. King advocated for nonviolent resistance as a means to combat segregation and injustice, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. His philosophy was central to the civil rights movement's tactics.
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Black Power Movement: A political and social movement in the 1960s and 1970s that emphasized racial pride, self-determination, and economic empowerment for African Americans. It often contrasted with the nonviolent approaches of earlier civil rights leaders.
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Court-Ordered Busing: A legal strategy used to desegregate schools in the 1970s by transporting students from different neighborhoods to promote racially integrated schools. This approach faced significant legal and social opposition.
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Congressional Black Caucus: Founded in 1971, this group of African American members of Congress works to address issues of equity and justice affecting Black communities and represents their interests in legislative processes.
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Immigration Act of 1965: This act abolished an earlier quota system based on national origin and allowed a greater number of immigrants from non-European countries. It significantly changed the demographic makeup of the U.S.
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GI Forum: Established in 1948, the American GI Forum is a veterans' organization founded to address the concerns of Mexican American veterans. It has been important in advocating for civil rights and equity in education and employment.
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Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta - United Farm Workers: Co-founders of the UFW, they organized farm workers to gain better working conditions and wages. They led significant strikes and the famous Table Grape Boycott, which received national attention and support.
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Table Grape Boycott: A significant labor strike led by UFW in the 1960s-1970s against grape growers who refused to recognize the union and provide fair working conditions. The boycott garnered widespread support, leading to improved labor rights for farm workers.
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Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO): Founded in 1967, MAYO aimed to empower Mexican American youth and address civil rights issues related to education, employment, and cultural identity.
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Loving v. Virginia (1967): A landmark Supreme Court case that invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage. This decision was a vital ruling for civil rights and individual freedoms.
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American Indian Movement (AIM): Founded in 1968, AIM was established to address issues related to Native American sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural preservation. Activism included protests and occupations, notably the occupation of Alcatraz.
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Rehabilitation Act of 1973: A significant piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federal programs and services and provided funding for rehabilitation services.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1988: A comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, ensuring access to employment, public accommodations, transportation, and more.
This study guide provides a concise overview of each topic, linking civil rights movements across different social and racial groups in U.S. history.