Fragmentation and Black Power 1965-1975 · Spring Term

Consequences of the Falklands War

Students will analyze the political, social, and economic consequences of the Falklands War for Britain, including its impact on Thatcher's popularity and national identity.

About This Topic

This topic assesses the immediate and long-term impact of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. Students examine the wave of urban uprisings that followed his death, the largest period of social unrest in the US since the Civil War, and the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act as a legislative memorial. They also analyse how King's death marked the end of the 'classical' era of the movement and accelerated its fragmentation.

At Year 13, students evaluate the impact of the assassination on the 1968 presidential election and the rise of Richard Nixon's 'Southern Strategy'. They consider how the loss of King's unifying voice led to a shift toward more militant and localised forms of activism. This topic is best explored through collaborative analysis of the 1968 election results and by debating the 'death of the movement' thesis vs. its continued evolution in the 1970s.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The 1968 Fair Housing Act

Groups examine the provisions of the Act and the circumstances of its passage. They must explain why it had been stalled for years and how King's death provided the 'moral momentum' needed to finally pass it, then present on its effectiveness in ending redlining.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The End of an Era?

Students discuss whether King's death truly marked the 'end' of the civil rights movement. They brainstorm examples of continued activism in the 1970s and evaluate whether the movement's goals simply became more fragmented and localised.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Role Play: The 1968 Election Night

Students act as supporters of Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, and George Wallace. They debate how the riots following King's death and the general sense of chaos in the country influenced the 'silent majority' to vote for 'law and order'.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The riots after King's death were a rejection of his message of non-violence.

What to Teach Instead

While violent, many saw the uprisings as an expression of grief and the feeling that non-violence had 'died' with King. Peer discussion of the 'Holy Week Uprisings' helps students see the riots as a complex emotional and political response to a national tragedy.

Common Misconception

The 1968 Fair Housing Act solved the problem of residential segregation.

What to Teach Instead

The Act lacked strong enforcement mechanisms and de facto segregation remained widespread for decades. Using a station rotation to look at modern housing maps helps students see the long-term limitations of the 1968 legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the immediate reaction to King's assassination?

His death sparked riots in over 100 US cities, leading to dozens of deaths and massive property damage. It also led to a period of intense national mourning and a sense of profound crisis, as many feared that the possibility of peaceful racial reconciliation had been lost forever.

What was the Fair Housing Act of 1968?

Also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1968, it prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, or national origin. It was passed just days after King's death, largely as a tribute to his work and a response to the urban unrest.

How did King's death affect the 1968 election?

The chaos and riots following the assassination contributed to a sense of national instability. This benefited Richard Nixon, who campaigned on a 'law and order' platform, and George Wallace, who ran as a segregationist, leading to a significant conservative shift in American politics.

How can active learning help students understand the aftermath of King's death?

Active learning, such as role-playing the 1968 election, helps students understand the political consequences of social unrest. By investigating the Fair Housing Act, students see how tragedy can be used to achieve legislative goals. This approach helps them appreciate the complexity of the 'post-King' era and the lasting impact of his life and death on American society.

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