Civil Rights Heroes

SS5H8c:

The impact on American society from the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy

EQ: How did American Society become affected with the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy?

Objective

By the end of the lesson, the student will be able to explain how the assassinations of major Civil Rights leaders in the 1960’s affected American society.

Lightning Round Review

1. Who was Martin Luther King Jr.? 2. What was the Civil Rights Act of 1964?3. What was the Voting Rights Act of 1965?4. What was Brown vs. Board of Education?5. What was the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

Civil Rights Leaders

The Civil Rights Movement was so successful because of the people that organized all the protests and events.

During the Civil Rights Movement, important people involved in politics and the movement were killed.

Leaders

These leaders wanted to bring change to the country, ensure that everyone is equal, and make sure the laws in America helped everyone.

However, not everybody liked these goals, they did not agree with the Civil Rights Movement.

Sometimes, they would use violence against the people that wanted to bring change and equality.

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy became president in 1961. He was different from presidents in the past because he was young and wanted to see America change.Most of all, he wanted Civil Rights for all people.He gave hope to a lot of African Americans.

John F. Kennedy

However, on November 22, 1963, he was in Dallas, Texas.While riding in his

limousine, he was shot.They rushed him to the

hospital, but he died soon after.

Kennedy Assassination

The world was really saddened and shocked!They couldn’t believe what happened - many African Americans felt like any hope of a new Civil Rights law would never come true now that Kennedy was dead.

Kennedy assassination

Shortly after the death of President Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, the shooter, was shot

himself by Jack Ruby

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

He helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and March on Washington.

He gave the most famous Civil Rights speech: “I Have a Dream.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was leaving his motel room

in Memphis, Tennessee, when he was shot by James Earl Ray.

REACTIONS

Some people were extremely sad, and held peaceful vigils - and vowed not to give up the peaceful protests!Some people were extremely angry and rioted. They destroyed things and were violent.There were over 110 riots all over the country.What would Martin Luther King want the people to have done?

King Assassination

Robert F. KennedyRobert F. Kennedy was the brother of the dead President John F. Kennedy.On the day King was shot, Kennedy gave a great speech about how its important to stay peaceful.Robert F. Kennedy was running for president at the time. He wanted to make sure to continue the work with Civil Rights that his brother started.

RFK Assassinated

Kennedy was at a campaign stop in California.He was walking through

the hotel’s kitchen after He gave a speech.

However, a person came up to him with a gun and shot him in the stomach.

RFK Assassination

People were devastated once again!

Many people turned to violence because they did not know what to do with all their sadness and anger.

Conclusion

The assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr. really affected Americans.Many people were inspired and vowed to continue the work that these three men started.Other people were so angry that they turned to violence and ended up rioting. In a way, the Civil Rights Movements ended and took a much more violent edge.

Essential Question Answer

These events made a lasting impression upon American society by: Taking away some of the optimism that

America was feeling for a period of time. Increased protection of political leaders. They were covered by a new news

source: TELEVISION! People could see what was going on sooner than ever before.