The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the events of the Watts riots, and explain the significance of the riots that followed.
Key learning points
- Despite the passing of new acts, rates of unemployment and poverty were still high amongst black Americans.
- The Watts riots triggered three summers of rioting across the US.
- President Johnson ordered an investigation into the causes of the riots, to prevent further outbreaks.
- The Kerner Report said the lack of economic opportunity and ongoing racial discrimination as the cause of the riots.
Keywords
Discrimination - discrimination is the unjust treatment of a person or group of people, usually on the grounds of a physical quality or belief
Commission - a commission is a group of people trusted by a government to carry out a task, usually an investigation
Common misconception
The Voting Rights Act (1965) marked the end of protests to fight against racial injustice.
Many people felt the acts were too little too late as unemployment rates remained high and daily discrimination continued - for many, in the form of poverty.
Teacher tip
When outlining the outbreak of riots, make clear that many people had felt that riots and violence were the way to push for change - it wasn't a new idea born in 1965. But the successes of non-violent direct action campaigns until 1965 had largely suppressed people's desire to use violent methods.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term, starting with 'E', for the system of politics and government that some argue enables inequality?
Q2.When and where did Bobby Seale and Huey Newton found the Black Panther Party?
Q3.Use two words to complete the name of the programme started by the Black Panther Party in St. Augustine's Church in Oakland: 'The for Children Program'.
Q4.What was the primary method the Black Panther Party was willing to use in order to achieve its aims?
Q5.Why was the Black Panther Party targeted by the FBI?
Q6.What event in 1969 contributed significantly to decreasing support for the Black Panther Party?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What term beginning with 'C' best describes a group of people trusted by a government to carry out a task, usually an investigation?
Q2.What event sparked the Watts riots in 1965?
Q3.Which civil rights leader visited Watts after the riots and expressed shock at the damage?
Q4.What was the typical sequence of events that led to the outbreak 1965-7?
Q5.What was the conclusion of the Kerner Report regarding the causes of the riots?
Q6.What was the outcome of the Kerner Report's recommendations under President Nixon?
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968), 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.