New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

The James Meredith case (1962)

I can describe the case of James Meredith and explain the significance of Kennedy's role.

New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

The James Meredith case (1962)

I can describe the case of James Meredith and explain the significance of Kennedy's role.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. After the Brown v. Topeka ruling, many universities were slow to desegregate in the south - if at all.
  2. James Meredith had tried several times to enrol at the University of Mississippi, with no success.
  3. With the support of President Kennedy, James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1962.
  4. Federal intervention in the James Meredith case led to the 'Battle of Oxford'.
  5. 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.

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.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which civil rights organisation was founded in 1957 following the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
CORE
Correct answer: SCLC
NAACP
SNCC
Q2.
Which of the following civil rights organisations was founded in 1909?
SNCC
CORE
Correct answer: NAACP
Q3.
In which year was the landmark ruling Brown v Topeka?
1957
Correct answer: 1954
1955
Q4.
Which organisation was known for using violence to intimidate civil rights activists?
Filibuster
Dixiecrat
Correct answer: KKK
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.
Correct Answer: Jim Crow, jim crow
Q6.
In which area was Elizabeth Eckford photographed trying to enter school whilst being jeered at by angry mob?
Montgomery
Greensboro
Correct answer: Little Rock
Topeka

6 Questions

Q1.
To means to officially register as a student on a university course is.
Correct Answer: enrol, Enrol
Q2.
At which university did James Meredith want to register as the first black student?
Jackson State University
Correct answer: the University of Mississippi
Little Rock University
Q3.
Which legal team helped Meredith file a case against the university?
Correct answer: NAACP
CORE
SNCC
SCLC
Q4.
In which year did the Supreme Court rule that the University of Mississippi had to enrol James Meredith?
1955
1957
1961
Correct answer: 1962
Q5.
The correct name given to the battle that happened when James Meredith arrived on campus escorted by federal troops is __________.
The Battle of Mississippi
Correct answer: The Battle of Oxford
The Battle of Alabama
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?
Orval Faubus
Correct answer: George Wallace
Ross Barnett

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