World War II Civil Rights Movement ( Ida Wells)

Read King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which you can access through this web site as a *.pdf:   http://okra.stanford.edu/transcription/document_images/undecided/630416-019.pdf   Once you have read the letter, extend the first part of your essay draft by answering these questions.  

1. In what ways are King’s stated concerns similar to or extended from those of Wells and in what ways are King’s stated concerns different? Cite examples as follows:  (King, page __)
2. What are King’s preferred strategies and tactics for confronting racism, racist practices, and unjust laws? In what ways are these similar to or extended from Wells’ strategies and tactics and in what ways do they differ from those that Wells advocates?  Cite examples.
3. In what ways agree with Wells and in what ways does he differ from Wells in relation to views about the role that Americans outside of the African-American community should play in the effort to move the nation towards a more equal and just future? Cite examples.
4. Finally, evaluate this statement:

  The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s owed debts to the ideas and efforts of earlier generations and ideological pioneers.  Its impact, which went much farther than those that came before, stemmed from the changes to American society and politics that the Great Depression and World War II set in motion.    

Sample Solution