Brainstorm a list (at least three) of the following based on your critical reading of the sources above.

Question

Factors that lead to the Civil Rights Movement

Important Events that illustrate the movement

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Step 3:

Research extension - Research the effects of the Civil Rights Movement. What remnants of the movement are still visible today?

Effects of the Civil Rights Movement

Select an effect that is directly tied to the causes established in the sources provided in Step 1 (i.e voting rights, protests, criminal justice reform, etc.).

Source

MLA Citation

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Based on your research pathway, what claim will your paper prove? This will be your thesis statement.

1. What is your main conclusion about your topic?

2. What is the main argument for your conclusion?

3. Combine the two previous responses to create your thesis statement here.

Step 4:

Now that you have an understanding of the causes and effects of the Civil Rights Movement, compose a synthesis essay explaining your findings. You must include information from at least three sources (at least two per body paragraph) and may mix the provided sources with your researched sources.

Type the rough draft Synthesis Essay in the box below. The draft you submit as your portfolio should be in MLA format with a works cited page.

Answer 1

Factors that lead to the Civil Rights Movement:

1. Jim Crow laws and segregation in the South created inequalities and injustices that spurred African Americans to demand equal rights and opportunities.
2. The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.
3. The influence of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X helped to mobilize and inspire people to fight for racial equality.

Important Events that illustrate the movement:

1. The Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus, demonstrated the power of nonviolent protest in the Civil Rights Movement.
2. The March on Washington in 1963, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, brought national attention to the struggle for civil rights.
3. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, was a significant legislative victory for the movement.

Effects of the Civil Rights Movement:

One effect of the Civil Rights Movement that is still visible today is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark legislation dismantled barriers to voting for African Americans, such as poll taxes and literacy tests, and ensured that all citizens had equal access to the ballot box. The Voting Rights Act continues to protect voting rights and remains a crucial tool in combating voter suppression.

Thesis statement:
The Civil Rights Movement was a transformative period in American history that was fueled by factors such as Jim Crow laws and the Brown v. Board of Education decision, illustrated by events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, and led to lasting effects such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Synthesis Essay:

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a pivotal moment in American history that was marked by factors such as segregation, landmark events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, and lasting effects such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the South, enforced by Jim Crow laws, served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. The inequality and injustices experienced by African Americans inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to advocate for change and mobilize the masses. The Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 further fueled the movement by declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional, setting the stage for a nationwide push for civil rights.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, triggered by Rosa Parks' act of defiance, demonstrated the power of nonviolent protest in challenging injustice. This event paved the way for future demonstrations and actions that would become synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement, such as sit-ins and marches. The March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. King delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, brought national attention to the struggle for racial equality and civil rights. The peaceful demonstration showcased the unity and determination of the movement, and laid the groundwork for legislative victories to come.

One of the most significant effects of the Civil Rights Movement was the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark legislation was a direct response to the barriers African Americans faced in exercising their right to vote, such as poll taxes and literacy tests. The Voting Rights Act outlawed these discriminatory practices and ensured that all citizens had equal access to the ballot box. Today, the Voting Rights Act continues to be a crucial tool in protecting voting rights and combating voter suppression, highlighting the lasting impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American society.

In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movement was a defining moment in American history that was driven by systemic injustices, exemplified by powerful events, and resulted in significant legislative victories. The movement not only brought about change in the 1960s, but also laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to achieve racial equality and social justice. Through the courage and dedication of its leaders and participants, the Civil Rights Movement continues to inspire and shape our society today.