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.

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.

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

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).

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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?

Correct Answer: establishment, the establishment, Establishment, The Establishment, the Establishment

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

Correct answer: 1966 in Oakland, Califonia

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'.

Correct Answer: Free Breakfast, free breakfast

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

Correct answer: Revolutionary means, including violence if necessary

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

Correct answer: They were considered a communist threat.

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

Correct answer: The killing of two leading members in Chicago

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?

Correct Answer: commission, a commision, Commission, A Commission, A commission

Q2.

What event sparked the Watts riots in 1965?

Correct answer: The arrest of Marquette Frye

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

Correct answer: Martin Luther King Jr

Otto Kerner

Richard Nixon

Q4.

What was the typical sequence of events that led to the outbreak 1965-7?

1 - The arrest of a black American

2 - Suspected police brutality

3 - Escalation into a full-scale 'race riot'

Q5.

What was the conclusion of the Kerner Report regarding the causes of the riots?

Correct answer: Lack of opportunities for black Americans and racial discrimination

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.

Correct answer: They were largely ignored.

They were criticised by civil rights leaders.

They led to widespread protests.

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