Final answer:
The civil rights movement began as a response to racial discrimination and segregation. Congress passed the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts due to the influence of the civil rights movement and events like the Birmingham campaign and the Selma to Montgomery marches. The civil rights movement brought about significant changes, but there are still ongoing inequalities and discrimination today.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. How did the civil rights movement begin?
The civil rights movement in the United States began as a response to the systemic racial discrimination and segregation faced by African Americans. It gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s through various campaigns and protests, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, led by influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
2. What events led Congress to pass the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts?
Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in response to the growing civil rights movement and the need to address racial inequality. These acts were influenced by events like the Birmingham campaign, where protestors faced violent repression, and the Selma to Montgomery marches, which highlighted the need for voting rights protection.
3. How did the civil rights movement change? Why could the results of the movement be called mixed?
The civil rights movement evolved over time to address not only racial segregation but also issues of economic inequality and voting rights. The movement achieved significant milestones, such as the desegregation of schools and the enactment of civil rights legislation. However, the results were mixed because structural inequalities and discrimination still persist, particularly in areas like housing, criminal justice, and education.
4. Explain the difference between de facto segregation and de jure segregation. Provide an example of each that is not given in the text.
De facto segregation refers to segregation that occurs as a result of social and economic factors, rather than explicit laws or policies. An example of de facto segregation is residential segregation, where communities self-segregate based on racial and socioeconomic factors. De jure segregation refers to segregation that is mandated by laws or government policies. An example of de jure segregation is the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in public facilities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
5. How have conditions changed? How have conditions stayed the same? Provide examples to justify your statements.
Conditions for minorities have changed in many ways since the civil rights movement. For example, systemic segregation has been outlawed, and there have been advancements in areas like education and opportunities for minority representation. However, racial disparities and discrimination still exist in areas such as criminal justice, income inequality, and access to quality healthcare. For example, African Americans and Latinos are disproportionately affected by harsher sentencing and lower socioeconomic opportunities. Discrimination against minorities also persists in areas like housing and employment.