New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
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.
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
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.
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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.
When outlining the outbreak of riots, make clear that many people had felt that riots and violence were the way to push for change - it wasn't a new idea born in 1965. But the successes of non-violent direct action campaigns until 1965 had largely suppressed people's desire to use violent methods.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is the term, starting with 'E', for the system of politics and government that some argue enables inequality?
Q2.
When and where did Bobby Seale and Huey Newton found the Black Panther Party?
1964 in Oakland, Califonia
1965 in Detroit, Michigan
1968 in Chicago, Illinois
Q3.
Use two words to complete the name of the programme started by the Black Panther Party in St. Augustine's Church in Oakland: 'The for Children Program'.
Q4.
What was the primary method the Black Panther Party was willing to use in order to achieve its aims?
Non-violent methods in every circumstance
Fighting through legal cases
Negotiation with government officials
Q5.
Why was the Black Panther Party targeted by the FBI?
Due to their promotion of capitalism
Because they advocated for racial segregation
They supported the Vietnam War.
Q6.
What event in 1969 contributed significantly to decreasing support for the Black Panther Party?
The release of their manifesto
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr
The election of Richard Nixon
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What term beginning with 'C' best describes a group of people trusted by a government to carry out a task, usually an investigation?
Q2.
What event sparked the Watts riots in 1965?
The passing of the Civil Rights Act
The election of President Eisenhower
The celebration of the Voting Rights Act
Q3.
Which civil rights leader visited Watts after the riots and expressed shock at the damage?
President Johnson
Otto Kerner
Richard Nixon
Q4.
What was the typical sequence of events that led to the outbreak 1965-7?
Q5.
What was the conclusion of the Kerner Report regarding the causes of the riots?
Excessive government intervention
Foreign interference in domestic affairs
Economic recession
Q6.
What was the outcome of the Kerner Report's recommendations under President Nixon?
They were implemented immediately.
They were criticised by civil rights leaders.
They led to widespread protests.
Additional material
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