Progress in education, 1954-60
I can explain the extent of change in education in the 1950s, and how some people opposed these changes.
Progress in education, 1954-60
I can explain the extent of change in education in the 1950s, and how some people opposed these changes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By 1950s, many schools across the US were still segregated, especially in the South.
- As a result of the Brown v. Topeka ruling, schools began to desegregate - although this was slow across the south.
- Some powerful local figures tried to oppose the desegregation of schools, particularly in the south.
- Although Eisenhower was reluctant, the federal government was pressured to enforce desegregation.
Common misconception
When the Supreme Court ordered all schools to desegregate, they were quick to follow this instruction because it came from the Supreme Court.
Although the Supreme Court was the highest court in the USA, many schools were slow to desegregate and some refused to desegregate until they were eventually forced.
Keywords
Federal - a federal government is a system of government where there is one central government that controls a collection of smaller state governments
Desegregation - desegregation is when segregation is ended
Unconstitutional - something is unconstitutional when it breaks the terms of a country's constitution, especially when it violates the rights given to individuals by the constitution
School board - a school board is a group of individuals responsible for making decisions about schools in the local area
Content guidance
- Contains depictions of discriminatory behaviour.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
when different groups of people are forcefully kept separate or apart
to have political and social freedom and equality
to kill someone for an offence without a trial
Exit quiz
6 Questions
is when segregation is ended
breaks the terms of a country’s constitution
a group responsible for making decisions about schools locally