The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968)
I can describe the events of the Watts riots, and explain the significance of the riots that followed.
The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968)
I can describe the events of the Watts riots, and explain the significance of the riots that followed.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Despite the passing of new acts, rates of unemployment and poverty were still high amongst black Americans.
- The Watts riots triggered three summers of rioting across the US.
- President Johnson ordered an investigation into the causes of the riots, to prevent further outbreaks.
- The Kerner Report said the lack of economic opportunity and ongoing racial discrimination as the cause of the riots.
Keywords
Discrimination - discrimination is the unjust treatment of a person or group of people, usually on the grounds of a physical quality or belief
Commission - a commission is a group of people trusted by a government to carry out a task, usually an investigation
Common misconception
The Voting Rights Act (1965) marked the end of protests to fight against racial injustice.
Many people felt the acts were too little too late as unemployment rates remained high and daily discrimination continued - for many, in the form of poverty.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The riots of 1965-67 and the Kerner Report (1968), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the USA: how did the civil rights movement change after 1965? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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