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Truman's Desegregation of the Military
Truman signed the Executive Order 9981, which desegregated the armed forces. As well, it created committees and put in place control variables to make sure the law was being enforced. This was a huge step in Civil Rights and was one of the stepping-stone events in the Civil Rights Movement. This was neither civil disobedience nor self-defense because it wasn't a response by the minority group. This was enacted by the government. -
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Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. The Board of Education was one of the most influential court cases in the United States. The case reigned in favor of the minorities- its verdict said that the segregation of public schools was a violation of the 14th amendment. As a result, public schools would be sanctioned to desegregate. However, this wouldn't take place till years later. This court case gave minorities hope. Furthermore, this was neither civil disobedience nor self-defense because it was a civil court case. -
Little Rock Nine
The Little Rock Nine was a group of nine students who entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, they marked the first group of African-American students to attend the school. These students were a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement through their bravery they directly stepped in front of the oppressive eyes of their white classmates. This is neither civil disobedience or self-defense. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington aimed to pressure JFK to create a strong Civil Rights Bill. It was a peaceful protest where half a million people gathered at the Lincoln monument in Washington DC. MLK also gave his famous, "I have a dream" speech. The protest would become the turning point in the Civil Rights movement and would launch into the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Though it is not directly stated that the law was broken during the protest, the MOW is a strong representation of civil disobedience. -
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Freedom Riders
The Freedom Riders were a group of white and black activists who participated in bus rides all along the south, to protest segregated public transportation/bus terminals. As a result, the segregation of interstate public transportation was banned in America, this was a huge step for the Civil Rights movement. The Freedom Riders are a known example of Civil Disobedience. -
Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act was signed into law by JFK. It prohibits wage discrimination based on sex. This was a huge advancement for women because now they would now make the same wages as a man in their same field. The act gave women hope for their futures in the workforce. However, It was neither civil disobedience nor self-defense. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prevented discrimination based on race and sex. The Civil Rights Act was a huge step in the advancements of Civil Rights for minorities in America. The passing on the Civil rights act was the result of all of the civil disobedience and self-defense throughout the country beforehand. -
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Chicano Movement
The Chicano Movement was a social movement that aimed to gain equal rights for Mexican Americans. They protested for almost a decade with the hopes of gaining equal pay, better educational opportunities, as well as equal rights. The movement would bring attention to many Mexican American communities and help them gain more rights. The movement was an example of civil disobedience. -
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Alcatraz Occupation
The Alcatraz Occupation was one of the biggest acts of civil disobedience by Native American tribes. Over a 19 month period, 89 Native Americans occupied the federal territory of Alcatraz. The goal of the protest was to draw attention to the government policies that took land away from the Native Americans, with the intent of destroying their culture. Though, the protest was forcefully ended, it still gathered national media attention and proved to be a success. -
Title IX
Title IX prohibits any government supported program from discriminating against individuals of different sexes in educational programs. This was a huge step for women because it gave them more opportunities that they had not had in the past. Though, Title IX could not be considered civil disobedience or self-defense, it was formed and passed because of previous instances of and self defense and civil disobedience by women. -
Roe V. Wade
Roe v. Wade was a huge success for women in regards to body autonomy. The ruling of the court case declared that the right to an abortion was protected under the US Constitution. However, this court case has recently been overturned by the Supreme Court; causing a huge setback in civil rights for women in America. The ruling of Roe v. Wade was a result of Civil Disobedience and self defense by women in the United States. -
Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act or VAWA was a huge victory for women in Native American tribes. The act gave Native American lands jurisdiction on domestic violence affairs between non-natives and Native American women. This act was a result of self defense by Native American women. -
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Black Lives Matter Movement
Though the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) has been around for awhile, it really became prominent after the murder of George Floyd. BLM aims to battle against white supremacy and fight against violence towards the black community by state officials. BLM demonstrates a lot of their beliefs through civil disobedience and protests. However, the BLM Movement was created by black people in self defense from state officials. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
Obergefell v. Hodges was one of the biggest achievements amongst the LGBTQ+ community. The court case ruled that on the basis of the 14th amendment states had to allowed same-sex marriage and lawfully recognize same-sex marriages that were performed out of the state. This court case resulted from protests and acts of civil disobedience by members of the LGBTQ+ community. The ruling also gave members of the community the platform to be together freely without the fear of facing repercussions. -
Supreme Court Decisions on Tribal Sovereignty
The Supreme Court decisions on Tribal Sovereignty gave Native American tribes the right to govern themselves. This prevailed itself very recently in regards to the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the tribes, allowing Native American children to remain within their tribes and not be put up for adoption or put into foster care. The cases were a result of years of self defense and civil disobedience by Native American tribes.