The James Meredith case (1962)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the case of James Meredith and explain the significance of Kennedy's role.
Key learning points
- After the Brown v. Topeka ruling, many universities were slow to desegregate in the south - if at all.
- James Meredith had tried several times to enrol at the University of Mississippi, with no success.
- With the support of President Kennedy, James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1962.
- Federal intervention in the James Meredith case led to the 'Battle of Oxford'.
- Despite continued resistance across the south, federal intervention showed that attitudes were changing.
Keywords
Enrol - to enrol means to officially register as a student on a university course
Common misconception
US presidents would only use federal intervention when pressured by the media.
Kennedy marked a change in the involvement of the president, as he was not pressured by the media to use federal intervention to support Meredith. Unlike in Little Rock, Kennedy's support came before the outbreak of violence from white Americans.
Teacher tip
The lesson starts with James Meredith's early life - this is to allow students to challenge potential misconceptions they might have about civil rights activists. Meredith had grown up on a large, isolated farm before serving in the US Air Force - very different to other activists they learn about.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which civil rights organisation was founded in 1957 following the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Q2.Which of the following civil rights organisations was founded in 1909?
Q3.In which year was the landmark ruling Brown v Topeka?
Q4.Which organisation was known for using violence to intimidate civil rights activists?
Q5.The laws mandated the segregation of public schools, public places, and public transportation, and the segregation of restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains for whites and blacks.
Q6.In which area was Elizabeth Eckford photographed trying to enter school whilst being jeered at by angry mob?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To means to officially register as a student on a university course is.
Q2.At which university did James Meredith want to register as the first black student?
Q3.Which legal team helped Meredith file a case against the university?
Q4.In which year did the Supreme Court rule that the University of Mississippi had to enrol James Meredith?
Q5.The correct name given to the battle that happened when James Meredith arrived on campus escorted by federal troops is __________.
Q6.Which governor said that they would “stand in the schoolhouse door” of any black student who attempted to enrol at the University of Alabama?
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The James Meredith case (1962), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The James Meredith case (1962), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the The USA, 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.