Civil Rights Movement Final Test

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Civil Rights Movement Quizzes & Trivia

What do you know about this time period in US History?


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following is an example of segregation?

    • A.

      Refusing to ride on city bus

    • B.

      Forcing African Americans to attend different schools other than whites

    • C.

      Taking lands from Native Americans

    • D.

      Leading a rally for African American voters

    Correct Answer
    B. Forcing African Americans to attend different schools other than whites
    Explanation
    Forcing African Americans to attend different schools other than whites is an example of segregation. Segregation refers to the separation of individuals based on their race, ethnicity, or other characteristics. In this case, African Americans were being denied equal access to education by being forced to attend separate schools from white Americans. This practice was prevalent during the era of racial segregation in the United States, particularly in the southern states, and was a means of perpetuating racial inequality and discrimination.

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  • 2. 

    Rosa Parks protested the law that...

    • A.

      Prevented African Americans from riding the same buses

    • B.

      Prevented African Americans from riding city buses

    • C.

      Refused African Americans the right to attend school with white students

    • D.

      Required African Americans and whites to sit in separate sections of city buses

    Correct Answer
    D. Required African Americans and whites to sit in separate sections of city buses
    Explanation
    Rosa Parks protested the law that required African Americans and whites to sit in separate sections of city buses. This law was a form of racial segregation and discrimination, as it enforced a policy of separate and unequal treatment based on race. Rosa Parks' act of defiance in refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and leading to significant changes in racial segregation laws.

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  • 3. 

    What was the main concept of the ruling of Plessy v. Fergsuon in 1896?

    • A.

      Separate but equal

    • B.

      Equality for all

    • C.

      Equality in education

    • D.

      Freedom for all

    Correct Answer
    A. Separate but equal
    Explanation
    The main concept of the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 was "separate but equal." This ruling established the legal doctrine of segregation, allowing for racially segregated facilities as long as they were deemed equal in quality. This decision had a significant impact on the civil rights movement and perpetuated racial discrimination and inequality for many years.

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  • 4. 

    Poll taxes and literacy tests...

    • A.

      Kept many African Americans from voting

    • B.

      Encouraged civil rights leaders

    • C.

      Helped women to get the right to vote

    • D.

      Were approved by the Supreme Court

    Correct Answer
    A. Kept many African Americans from voting
    Explanation
    Poll taxes and literacy tests were discriminatory practices that were used to suppress the voting rights of African Americans. These measures were implemented in the southern states during the Jim Crow era to prevent African Americans from exercising their right to vote. By imposing financial and educational requirements, many African Americans were effectively disenfranchised, as they were unable to meet these criteria. These practices were later deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the 1960s, as they violated the principles of equal protection under the law.

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  • 5. 

    Martin Luther King Jr. gained national attention during what key event?

    • A.

      March on Washington

    • B.

      Montgomery Bus Boycott

    • C.

      Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case

    • D.

      Greensboro Sit in

    Correct Answer
    B. Montgomery Bus Boycott
    Explanation
    During the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a prominent leader and gained national attention. This event was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, as it was a peaceful protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama. King's role in organizing and leading the boycott showcased his commitment to nonviolent resistance and his ability to mobilize the African American community in the fight for equal rights. His involvement in the boycott propelled him to the forefront of the civil rights movement and marked the beginning of his influential leadership in the years to come.

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  • 6. 

    Freedom Summer was an effort to...

    • A.

      Invite women into the workforce and find jobs

    • B.

      Help Native Americans find work and better careers

    • C.

      Help African American voters in Southern states

    • D.

      Minorities in NC

    Correct Answer
    C. Help African American voters in Southern states
    Explanation
    Freedom Summer was a historic civil rights campaign that took place in 1964. Its main objective was to help African American voters in Southern states exercise their right to vote, as they faced significant barriers and discrimination in doing so. The campaign aimed to register African Americans to vote, educate them about their voting rights, and mobilize them to participate in the political process. The volunteers involved in Freedom Summer faced violence and intimidation, but their efforts played a crucial role in advancing the civil rights movement and increasing African American political participation.

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  • 7. 

    Marches, sit-ins, and boycotts are examples of...

    • A.

      Civil rights

    • B.

      Massive resistance

    • C.

      Nonviolent forms of protest

    • D.

      Freedom events

    Correct Answer
    C. Nonviolent forms of protest
    Explanation
    Marches, sit-ins, and boycotts are all examples of nonviolent forms of protest. These actions involve peaceful demonstrations and acts of resistance to bring attention to social or political issues. By organizing and participating in these activities, individuals can express their grievances and advocate for change without resorting to violence. These nonviolent forms of protest have been historically significant in the civil rights movement and other social justice movements, as they allow for the amplification of voices and the mobilization of communities in a peaceful and impactful manner.

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  • 8. 

    After WWII, the Holocaust had drawn world wide attention to what horrors?

    • A.

      Racism

    • B.

      Segregation

    • C.

      Massive resistance

    • D.

      Violent protests

    Correct Answer
    A. Racism
    Explanation
    After WWII, the Holocaust had drawn worldwide attention to the horrors of racism. The systematic genocide of six million Jews by the Nazis highlighted the extreme consequences of racist ideologies and discrimination. The Holocaust served as a stark reminder of the dangers of racial hatred and intolerance, prompting global efforts to combat racism and promote equality.

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  • 9. 

    Most civil rights protests occurred in what location?

    • A.

      Washington DC

    • B.

      The Southern States

    • C.

      Voting polls

    • D.

      Supreme Court hearings

    Correct Answer
    B. The Southern States
    Explanation
    Most civil rights protests occurred in the Southern States because this region of the United States was a hotbed of racial segregation and discrimination during the civil rights movement. African Americans and their allies organized protests, marches, and boycotts in the Southern States to challenge and fight against racial inequality, injustice, and Jim Crow laws. These protests played a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing support, and pressuring the government to enact civil rights legislation. Washington DC, voting polls, and Supreme Court hearings were also important in the civil rights movement, but the Southern States were the epicenter of the protests.

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  • 10. 

    Four students went to a Greensboro lunch counter and demanded to be served at a white only lunch counter. What type of protest did they carry out?

    • A.

      Massive resistance

    • B.

      Boycott

    • C.

      Sit in

    • D.

      Freedom Ride

    Correct Answer
    C. Sit in
    Explanation
    The four students carried out a sit-in protest. This type of protest involves individuals occupying a space, in this case, a white-only lunch counter, to challenge segregation and demand equal treatment. By sitting at the lunch counter and demanding to be served, the students were peacefully protesting against racial discrimination and segregation. This form of protest gained significant attention and became a powerful tool during the Civil Rights Movement.

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  • 11. 

    The 24th Amendment did which of the following?

    • A.

      Gave women the right to vote

    • B.

      Ordered the federal government to return all land back to Native Americans

    • C.

      Helped African Americans gain voting rights by outlawing poll taxes

    • D.

      Ordered schools to provide bilingual education

    Correct Answer
    C. Helped African Americans gain voting rights by outlawing poll taxes
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "helped African Americans gain voting rights by outlawing poll taxes." The 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1964, prohibited the use of poll taxes in federal elections. This was a significant step towards ensuring equal voting rights for African Americans, as poll taxes were often used as a means of disenfranchising minority voters. By eliminating this discriminatory practice, the amendment played a crucial role in expanding access to the ballot for African Americans.

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  • 12. 

    The event known as the "Little Rock Nine" - African American students were admitted to Central High School in Arkansas after...

    • A.

      The nine students held a sit in at the high school

    • B.

      Parents protested and took case to the local school board

    • C.

      President Eisenhower sent in National Guard troops in order to provide safe passage for students into the school

    • D.

      MLK protested the actions of the school

    Correct Answer
    C. President Eisenhower sent in National Guard troops in order to provide safe passage for students into the school
    Explanation
    President Eisenhower sent in National Guard troops in order to provide safe passage for students into the school. This action was taken to ensure the safety and protection of the African American students known as the "Little Rock Nine" who were admitted to Central High School in Arkansas. The presence of the National Guard troops was necessary due to the resistance and hostility faced by the students from parents and community members who opposed their integration into the school. By sending in the troops, President Eisenhower aimed to enforce the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education and uphold the students' right to equal education.

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  • 13. 

    What was the main purpose of the March on Washington?

    • A.

      Protest for better jobs and rights

    • B.

      Protest for better education for all

    • C.

      Meeting of all the leaders of the movement and he gave a speech there

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Protest for better jobs and rights
    Explanation
    The main purpose of the March on Washington was to protest for better jobs and rights. This event, which took place on August 28, 1963, was organized by civil rights leaders to advocate for economic and social equality for African Americans. The march culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, which called for an end to racial discrimination and injustice. The march aimed to draw attention to the need for equal employment opportunities and civil rights protections for all Americans.

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  • 14. 

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964...

    • A.

      Organized voter drives to bring out the African American vote

    • B.

      Made segregation illegal in the US and forbid unequal treatment

    • C.

      Created a form of nonviolent resistance for the Greensboro sit in

    • D.

      Organized the Freedom Riders

    Correct Answer
    B. Made segregation illegal in the US and forbid unequal treatment
    Explanation
    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made segregation illegal in the US and forbade unequal treatment. This landmark legislation was a major step towards ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all Americans. It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public places, schools, and employment. The act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce its provisions. By making segregation illegal and forbidding unequal treatment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 played a crucial role in advancing the civil rights movement and promoting equality in the United States.

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  • 15. 

    What did some Americans conclude about race relations after the violence in Selma Alabama in 1965?

    • A.

      They were horrified at the violence that was being broadcast on national tv and realized that something needed to be done

    • B.

      They were aware of the violence and were still undecided what to do about civil rights

    • C.

      The protest had been a peaceful protest--- the attack on the protest group as they marched was violent and most were shocked by this event

    • D.

      Both and A and C

    Correct Answer
    D. Both and A and C
    Explanation
    After witnessing the violence in Selma Alabama in 1965 through national television broadcasts, some Americans were horrified and realized that something needed to be done about race relations. Additionally, they were aware that the protest had been peaceful, but the attack on the protest group during their march was violent, which further shocked them. Therefore, the correct answer is both A and C.

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  • 16. 

    Which of the following would not be considered a "barrier breaker" for equality in the Civil Rights Era"? 

    • A.

      Orval Faubus

    • B.

      Thurgood Marshall

    • C.

      Rosa Parks

    • D.

      Martin Luther King Jr.

    Correct Answer
    A. Orval Faubus
    Explanation
    Orval Faubus would not be considered a "barrier breaker" for equality in the Civil Rights Era because he was the Governor of Arkansas who opposed the desegregation of schools and famously ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the integration of Little Rock Central High School. This action was seen as a setback for equality and civil rights, as it defied the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education and perpetuated racial segregation. In contrast, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. were all influential figures who played significant roles in advancing the cause of civil rights and breaking down barriers to equality.

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  • 17. 

    From whom did Martin Luther King Jr. get the idea of non violent resistance?

    • A.

      Rosa Parks

    • B.

      Winston Churchill

    • C.

      President Kennedy

    • D.

      Gandhi

    Correct Answer
    D. Gandhi
    Explanation
    Martin Luther King Jr. got the idea of nonviolent resistance from Gandhi. Gandhi was a prominent leader in India who advocated for peaceful protests and civil disobedience as a means to achieve social and political change. King was inspired by Gandhi's philosophy and methods, and he applied them in the civil rights movement in the United States. King believed in the power of nonviolence to bring about justice and equality, and he successfully used this approach in his fight against racial segregation and discrimination.

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  • 18. 

    What event began the Civil Rights Movement?

    • A.

      Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955

    • B.

      Brown v. Board of Education ruling by Supreme Court which began integration of US schools

    • C.

      Jim Crow laws passed in the South

    • D.

      Freedom Summer

    Correct Answer
    B. Brown v. Board of Education ruling by Supreme Court which began integration of US schools
    Explanation
    The Civil Rights Movement began with the Brown v. Board of Education ruling by the Supreme Court, which initiated the integration of US schools. This landmark decision in 1954 declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The ruling was a significant turning point in the fight for civil rights and paved the way for further challenges to segregation and discrimination. It set a precedent for dismantling Jim Crow laws and inspired activists to push for equal rights and opportunities for all races.

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  • 19. 

    What was the main purpose of the Jim Crow Laws in the South?

    • A.

      Segregation of public places

    • B.

      Integration of public places

    • C.

      Punishment of the South for Civil War

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Segregation of public places
    Explanation
    The main purpose of the Jim Crow Laws in the South was to enforce and institutionalize segregation of public places. These laws were implemented in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and aimed to maintain racial hierarchy and white supremacy by legally separating black and white individuals in all aspects of public life. These laws mandated racial segregation in schools, parks, restaurants, public transportation, and other public facilities, effectively denying African Americans equal access to resources and opportunities.

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  • 20. 

    What form of protest was used by the crowd in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 - "Little Rock Nine"

    • A.

      Massive Resistance

    • B.

      Sit in

    • C.

      Boycott

    • D.

      March to freedom of schools

    Correct Answer
    A. Massive Resistance
    Explanation
    Massive Resistance was the form of protest used by the crowd in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. This term refers to the organized opposition and resistance by white segregationist groups against the desegregation of public schools. The crowd, known as the "Little Rock Nine," consisted of nine African American students who were attempting to integrate into Central High School. The use of Massive Resistance involved various tactics such as protests, violence, and legal challenges aimed at preventing the integration of schools and maintaining racial segregation.

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  • 21. 

    For what reason did the ERA not make it as an US Constitutional amendment?

    • A.

      The amendment never made it past the Congress in 1972

    • B.

      The President vetoed the amendment

    • C.

      Too few states approved the amendment in order to make it an amendment

    • D.

      Women of the US did not support the amendment

    Correct Answer
    C. Too few states approved the amendment in order to make it an amendment
    Explanation
    The ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) did not become a US Constitutional amendment because too few states approved it. In order for an amendment to be added to the Constitution, it needs to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. Since the ERA did not receive enough support from the states, it was unable to become an amendment.

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  • 22. 

    Which federal government piece of legislation allowed federal funds to be withheld for education if discrimination continued in the South?

    • A.

      Brown v, Board of Education

    • B.

      Plessy v. Ferguson

    • C.

      Civil Rights Act 1964

    • D.

      ERA

    Correct Answer
    C. Civil Rights Act 1964
    Explanation
    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 allowed federal funds to be withheld for education if discrimination continued in the South. This legislation was a landmark law that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aimed to end segregation and ensure equal protection under the law for all individuals. By allowing federal funds to be withheld, the act provided a powerful incentive for schools and institutions to desegregate and eliminate discriminatory practices.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following helped the American poor during the Civil Rights Movement?

    • A.

      Montgomery Bus Boycott

    • B.

      24th Amendment

    • C.

      Voting Rights Act of 1965

    • D.

      Murder case of Emmett Till

    Correct Answer
    B. 24th Amendment
    Explanation
    The 24th Amendment helped the American poor during the Civil Rights Movement by prohibiting the use of poll taxes in federal elections. Poll taxes were often used as a way to disenfranchise and suppress the votes of African Americans and low-income individuals. By eliminating this barrier, the 24th Amendment helped to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, had equal access to voting rights.

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  • 24. 

    What was the decision of Swann v. Mecklenburg Board of Education?

    • A.

      Forced the Jim Crow Laws to break up in NC schools in 1951

    • B.

      Forces the integration of Charlotte schools by busing students to districts where they should be more balanced with integration mix of students

    • C.

      Busing students to all white schools was illegal

    • D.

      Busing students to African American schools was illegal

    Correct Answer
    B. Forces the integration of Charlotte schools by busing students to districts where they should be more balanced with integration mix of students
    Explanation
    The decision of Swann v. Mecklenburg Board of Education forces the integration of Charlotte schools by busing students to districts where they should be more balanced with an integration mix of students.

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  • 25. 

    How did the Greensboro 4 impact the Civil Rights Movement?

    • A.

      Sit ins were eventually staged throughout the South helping to break up the Jim Crow Laws

    • B.

      Brought national attention to discrimination in the South

    • C.

      After discrimination was broken up, the African Americans had the ability to have equal purchasing power in the state/national econmoy

    • D.

      All of the Above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the Above
    Explanation
    The Greensboro 4, by staging sit-ins throughout the South, played a significant role in breaking up the Jim Crow Laws, which were discriminatory laws that enforced racial segregation. Their actions brought national attention to the issue of discrimination in the South, leading to increased awareness and support for the Civil Rights Movement. By breaking up discrimination, African Americans gained the ability to have equal purchasing power in the state and national economy, further advancing their rights and opportunities. Therefore, all of the given statements are correct and explain the impact of the Greensboro 4 on the Civil Rights Movement.

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