How Did President Eisenhower Respond To The Civil Rights Movement

President Eisenhower's Response to the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s was a pivotal period in American history. African Americans, along with their allies, fought for equal rights and an end to racial segregation. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served from 1953 to 1961, played a crucial role in shaping the government's response to this movement. In this article, we will explore how President Eisenhower addressed the civil rights issues of his time.

The Brown v. Board of Education Decision

One of the most significant events during President Eisenhower's tenure was the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. In 1954, the Court declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This decision overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established in the Plessy v. Ferguson case of 1896.

President Eisenhower publicly expressed his support for the Court's decision and emphasized the need to uphold the law. However, his response to implementing the ruling was more cautious. He believed in gradual change and feared that a rapid desegregation process could lead to violence and social unrest.

The Little Rock Crisis

President Eisenhower's approach to the Civil Rights Movement was put to the test during the Little Rock Crisis in 1957. When nine African American students attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, they faced violent opposition from white segregationists.

In response, President Eisenhower took decisive action. He federalized the Arkansas National Guard and ordered them to protect the students and ensure their safe entry into the school. Additionally, he deployed the 101st Airborne Division, a federal military unit, to maintain order and protect the rights of the African American students.

Civil Rights Legislation

During his presidency, President Eisenhower signed several civil rights bills into law. In 1957, he supported the Civil Rights Act, which aimed to protect African Americans' voting rights. This legislation established the Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice and provided federal support for voting rights cases.

In 1960, President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which strengthened the enforcement of voting rights. This law empowered federal courts to appoint referees to oversee voter registration and prevent discriminatory practices.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his efforts, President Eisenhower faced challenges and criticisms regarding his response to the civil rights movement. Critics argued that his actions were often insufficient and that he did not do enough to address systemic racism and segregation.

Some activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., criticized President Eisenhower for not taking a more active role in promoting civil rights legislation. They believed that his cautious approach hindered progress and perpetuated racial inequality.

Legacy and Impact

President Eisenhower's response to the civil rights movement had a lasting impact on American society. While his approach may have been cautious at times, he laid the groundwork for future civil rights legislation and set a precedent for federal intervention to protect the rights of marginalized communities.

His actions during the Little Rock Crisis, in particular, demonstrated the federal government's willingness to intervene to ensure equal protection under the law. This set an important example for future administrations and helped pave the way for further progress in the fight for civil rights.

Conclusion

President Eisenhower's response to the civil rights movement was a complex and nuanced one. While he publicly supported the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education and signed civil rights legislation, his cautious approach and concerns about social unrest drew criticism. Nevertheless, his actions during the Little Rock Crisis and the passage of civil rights legislation left a lasting impact on the pursuit of equality in the United States.