What effect did racial violence have on President Kennedy's approach to civil rights?
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To understand the effect of racial violence on President Kennedy's approach to civil rights, we can examine historical records and context:
1. Research: Start by researching historical accounts, books, articles, and speeches related to President Kennedy's approach to civil rights. Look for primary sources, such as his speeches or writings, as well as secondary sources for analysis and interpretation.
2. Civil Rights Movement: Understand the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement during Kennedy's presidency, which took place from 1961 to 1963. This includes the activism, protests, and racial tensions that were prevalent during that time.
3. Birmingham Campaign: Pay particular attention to the Birmingham Campaign of 1963, which involved civil rights demonstrations and protests for desegregation in Birmingham, Alabama. This campaign intensified racial violence and injustice, leading to significant national attention.
4. Public reaction: Explore public reactions to racial violence during Kennedy's presidency. Look for evidence of widespread outrage, media coverage, and public demands for action.
Considering these factors, the effect of racial violence on Kennedy's approach to civil rights can be summarized as follows:
1. Shifting public opinion: The exposure of racial violence and injustices, particularly during events like the Birmingham Campaign, further raised awareness and public sentiment against segregation and racism.
2. Political pressure: Racial violence created political pressure on President Kennedy to take a stronger stance and push for comprehensive civil rights legislation. It amplified the calls for immediate action and made the urgency of civil rights reforms more evident.
3. Legislative action: As a result of these pressures, Kennedy began drafting comprehensive civil rights legislation, which eventually became the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The act aimed to end racial segregation in public facilities and prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
4. Legacy: President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963 resulted in President Lyndon B. Johnson taking up the mantle of civil rights legislation, leading to the eventual passage of the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Remember, exploring primary and secondary sources will provide a more nuanced understanding of the specific impact racial violence had on President Kennedy's approach to civil rights.