The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was a very important time that changed American society in many ways.
Key Achievements
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New Laws:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to treat people unfairly based on their race, color, religion, sex, or where they come from. This law helped change how people were treated at work and in public places.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped make it easier for African Americans to vote. Because of this, the number of registered Black voters in the South jumped from 1 million in 1960 to 3.1 million by 1970.
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Social Changes:
- Before the movement, segregation was widespread. For example, in 1960, more than 60% of African Americans in Southern states were living under Jim Crow laws, which kept them separated from White Americans.
- By 1970, the number of Black students in integrated schools grew from less than 1% to about 40%.
Statistics Showing Change
- Voter Registration:
- In 1965, about 50% of African Americans in the South were registered to vote. By 1970, this number rose to around 70%.
- Economic Equality:
- In 1947, the average income for Black families was 1,870,whileWhitefamiliesmade4,500. By 1969, this income gap narrowed. Black families’ average income was 4,500comparedto7,200 for White families.
Cultural Shift
- The movement also changed culture and how people viewed equality.
- As the call for equal rights grew, more media covered these events. One major event was the March on Washington in 1963, which had over 250,000 participants and was shown across the country. This event really highlighted the fight for civil rights.
Gender Considerations
- The Civil Rights Movement also helped start the feminist movement. Women played a key role in organizing and leading efforts during this time. This led to more attention on women's rights in the years that followed.
In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was a turning point. It passed important laws, increased voter registration, and changed how people thought about equality in America.