Question

How did white power structures react to the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s?

Answer 1

Answer:

Generally, white power structures responded to the Civil Rights Movement based on their geographic location. Thus, most southerners spoke out against this movement, while most northerners supported the cause. This situation was even transversal to the Democratic and Republican parties, since for example Lyndon Johnson, Democratic President who approved the Civil Rights Act in 1964, supported the movement while Orval Faubus, Governor of Arkansas for the same party, did not do so in absolute.

In general, the governors and mayors of the south of the country did everything possible to prevent the advancement and achievements of this movement, through imprisonment (such as in Birmingham, where Martin Luther King was imprisoned), police repression and various government restrictions.

In contrast, northern politicians and those in Washington generally had a more open and responsive stance, supporting the movement and believing in equal opportunities.