Describe the impact on American society of the assassinations of President John F.
Nonviolent tactics (boycotts, sit-ins, protest marches, etc.) and powerful
Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
We want the students to learn about the Civil Rights Movement, how it came
about, how it has impacted society, and what is left to do.
MLK Jr.
Videos
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXZhXTFWnE
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: Biography for Children, American History for Kids -
FreeSchool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG8X0vOvi7Q
BrainPOP MLK Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJTQubbS7VY
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr-assassination
http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/mlk/section10.rhtml
MLK Jr.s Legacy
Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act)
Sped up passing of this legislation
MLK Holiday (federal holiday, 2nd American to receive honor after George
Washington)
Memorial in process near Lincoln Memorial (location of I have a dream
speech)
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Sped up passing of this legislation
Questions
How did MLK Jr.s death impact the African American community?
Anger among African Americans (riots around the nation)
The number of riots totaled 168; the number of arrests, 3000; the
number of injuries, over 20,000; and the number of soldiers called
in to restore order, 55,000.
National mourning
What made MLK Jr unique or similar among world leaders?
speaking ability (speeches - I have a dream, books, sermons, etc.)
Influence from Mahatma Gandhi
How would things have differed if MLK Jr was not assassinated?
Slower passing of legislation
http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/mlk/quiz.html
The SCOTUS ruled that separate but equal facilities were legal in which 1896 court
case? Plessy v. Ferguson
When King first went to college, he was considering which professions? Doctor or
Lawyer
When King graduated from Boston University, where did he find work?
Montgomery, AL
Whose act of defiance began the Montgomery Bus Boycott? Rosa Parks
What group was founded to oversee the bus boycott? Montgomery Improvement
Association
Who was the go-between for King and the Kennedy Administration? Robert
Kennedy
In order to ensure the safety of the Freedom Rides, what did the Attorney General
do? Change the policies of the Interstate Commerce Commission
In Albany, GA, King and the SCLC focused most on what? A voter-registration drive
What violent means did the Birmingham polic
JFK
Videos
John F Kennedy Biography for Kids (Educational Videos for Students) Learning
Cartoon Network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97yVZJg2v5A
JFK's Assassination | National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEVfKKjODBg
https://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/November-22-1963-Death-of-the-
President.aspx
https://mic.com/articles/74069/5-ways-jfk-s-assassination-changed-america-
forever#.LwwxNz6El
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/garry-rodgers/jfk-assassination_b_8603938.html
JFKs Legacy
Lyndon B. Johnson became next president
 Originally VP during JFKs presidency Who did JFK appoint as his attorney general? Robert Kennedy
Warren Commission The disastrous invasion of Cuba, in April 1961, became known as the Bay of Pigs
Organization formed to study JFK assassination What was JFKs response to the Cuban Missile Crisis? He ordered a naval quarantine
House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1976 of Cuba
Another organization formed after JFK assassination At the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis, what did the US promise not to do?
TV became main source of news Overthrow Castro
TV was the fastest source to let people know about JFK What volunteer organization for young Americans did JFK found during his first year
assassination, soon became main source to discuss news in office? The Peace Corps
(overcoming radio and newspapers) Who took over the office when JFK was assassinated? Lyndon Johnson
civil rights According to the Warren Commission, who was the lone assassin of JFK? Lee Harvey
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (formed/passed in honor of JFK) Oswald
the space program (JFK very influential in space program, funded it a lot)
Orbit to moon sped up Robert F. Kennedy
Apollo 11
the Cold War Videos
JFK kept the USSR at arms reach as an adversary; after his death, http://www.history.com/topics/robert-f-kennedy/videos/the-assassination-of-rfk
USSR became more hostile and open to nuclear technology
against the USA https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/06/04/how-robert-f-kennedys-
Vietnam War death-shattered-the-nation
JFK planned to exit Vietnam asap, Nixon & Johnson stayed in
Vietnam for over a decade 1968: Robert F. Kennedy Assassinated
Cuba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsYLelmN6BA
JFK was president during the Cuban Missile Crisis
After everything was over, the US and Cuba agreed to not RFK Legacy
overthrow Castro National mourning (21 funeral car train, people watched go to from NYC to
Washington D.C.)
Questions Negative impact on Civil Rights Movement community (2 months after
http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/jfk/quiz.html MLK assassination) -> national desperation
Bad American self-image: full of violence
Where did JFK attend college? Harvard Vietnam War: RFK opposed Vietnam War, prevented Vietnam exit
What did JFK do during the war? He commandeered a PT boat
How did JFK become a war hero? He saved the crew of his PT boat after they were
hit by a Japanese destroyer
What office did JFK run for in 1946? U.S. Representative
What disease did JFK suffer from? Addisons Disease
The struggle between the US and the Soviet Union for global dominance was known
as ___ The Cold War
What office did JFK run for in 1952? US Senator
What happened to JFK in the 1958 Senate race? He won in a landslide
JFKs chief rival in the 1960 Democratic primaries was Hubert Humphrey
JFKs chief rivals at the 1960 Democratic Convention were Adlai Stevenson and
Lyndon Johnson
Who did JFK pick as his running mate in 1960? Lyndon Johnson
Who was JFKs Republican opponent in 1960? Richard Nixon

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXZhXTFWnE
Kid-friendly video that discusses the life of MLK Jr. Discusses how he tried
his best to overcome his situation and fight for what is right no matter
what the obstacle.
Video description: Once upon a time, there was a man named Martin
Luther King, Jr. He taught us that things won't always be awesome, but
your response can be.
Does not completely go into depth about everything did (i.e. people didnt
like him, he made speeches, went to rallies, etc.)
What was MLK Jr.s official profession? Minister
When did MLK Jr. die? April 1968
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: Biography for Children, American History for Kids -
FreeSchool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG8X0vOvi7Q
Kid-friendly video that discusses the life of MLK Jr. The video talks about
the different life events MLK went through and the type of atmosphere he
grew up in. (i.e. colored fountains vs. white fountains, inequality based on
color of skin)
Video description: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, was a famous Civil Rights
leader, pastor, and humanitarian. He is best known for his peaceful,
nonviolent protests and speeches calling for change! This kid-friendly video
is filled with facts and information about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life.
MLK changed history, and so every January we celebrate him near his
birthday.
Key events
Montgomery Bus Boycott - a boycott organized by multiple Civil
Rights leader that led to many African-Americans not using the
buses for nearly a year causing many bus companies to lose
money
Dec. 1956 - SCOTUS ruled segregated buses were unconstitutional
(important b/c determined that peaceful activism could promote
change)
1957-1968 MLK Jr. constantly traveled around the US to give
speeches about equality (even though he was jailed 20+ times,
stabbed, and got his house bombed, wrote 5 books)
1963 - MLK Jr. delivered his I have a dream speech on the
Lincoln Memorial; over 250,000 people were present, name Time
Magazines Man of the Year
1964: received Nobel Peace Prize
Civil Rights Act (passed around this time): made segregation or
discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national
origin illegal
April 3, 1968 - MLK Jr. gave final speech (famous quote - Ive
seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want
you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the
promised land!
April 4, 1968 - died at age 39
1983 - Reagan signed bill creating a national holiday dedicated to
MLK (MLK Jr. Day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of every
January); MLK is 2nd man to be recognized by a holiday after
George Washington
What was MLK Jr. most known for? Nonviolent tactics and speeches about equality
What is the term that is used to describe the separate but equal policy?
Segregation
What is MLK Jrs education like? He was extremely smart that at his segregated
school, he skipped 2 grades and graduated at the age of 15. He went to undergrad
at Morehouse College, he was top of his class at a seminary (to become a minister
like his dad), and he also received his doctorate at BU.
What important event occurred on Dec. 1955? Rosa Parks refused to give up her
seat to a white man, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott
How was MLK Jr. influential in the Montgomery Bus Boycott? The outcome of the
boycott proved that MLK Jrs peaceful tactics were effective.
What is a famous quote from MLK Jrs I have a dream speech? I have a dream
that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be
judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a
dream today!
What is unique about the last speech MLK Jr. gave before he died? It
foreshadowed his own death.
When is MLK Jr. Day celebrated? MLK Jr. Day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of
every January
BrainPOP MLK Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJTQubbS7VY
Kid-friendly movie about MLK Jr.
 Key Terms
Civil rights movement having universal rights for all people
regardless of gender, income, skin color
Jim Crow laws set of laws governing how blacks and whites could
mix
Key events
1929: born to middle class Baptist family in ATL,
1953: moved to Montgomery, AL w wife (Coretta Scott King)
1956: SCOTUS banned segregated buses
King organized group of churches dedicated to nonviolent
protests for civil rights (inspired by Mahatma Gandhi)
1963: March on Washington - 250,000+ people gathered in
Washington in support of civil rights, delivered I have a dream
speech
Civil Rights Act of 1964 & Voting Rights Act of 1965 - overturned
segregation laws around the county
What legislation did the marches in Montgomery MLK was in charge of help pass?
Civil Rights Act of 1964 & Voting Rights Act of 1965
What prize did MLK win in 1964 for his efforts in civil rights? Nobel Peace Prize
Which rally did MLK give his famous I have a dream speech at? March on
Washington
Where was MLK assassinated? Memphis, TN
Who killed MLK? James Earl Ray
How has MLK influenced the racial equality we face today? It is a topic people of
all color participate in instead of just one race.
MLK JR Assassination
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr-assassination
Video description: look into the life of MLK Jr.
In early April 1968, shock waves reverberated around the world
with the news that U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
had been assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. A Baptist minister
and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
(SCLC), King had led the civil rights movement since the mid-
1950s, using a combination of powerful words and non-violent
tactics such as sit-ins, boycotts and protest marches (including the
massive March on Washington in 1963) to fight segregation and
achieve significant civil and voting rights advances for African
Americans. His assassination led to an outpouring of anger among
black Americans, as well as a period of national mourning that
helped speed the way for an equal housing bill that would be the
last significant legislative achievement of the civil rights era.
The video discusses MLK day and why we celebrate it. (aka importance of
MLK)
Entered college at 15, became ordained pastor by age 20, got his doctorate
at age 26
Key events:
1955: organized Montgomery Bus Boycott
Why did MLK Jr. first move to Montgomery, AL? To become a Baptist pastor
What was the immediate consequence of MLK Jrs civil rights efforts during his
time? He was arrested multiple times
Why were MLK Jrs speeches so influential? MLK was very good at speaking and
they helped to fuel the public to fight against social injustice and inequality
What did James Earl Grays bullet do? It killed the man, but not the dream
What was the process of creating MLK Jr. Day? There was a lot of opposition
against it. Even though it was suggested 4 days after his death, it took over 15 years
for the legislation to pass.
MLK Jr. Review Questions
http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/mlk/section10.rhtml
Review questions about all the important events that occurred during and
after MLK Jr.s life.
JOHN F KENNEDY
John F Kennedy Biography for Kids (Educational Videos for Students) Learning
Cartoon Network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97yVZJg2v5A
Kid-friendly video that discusses the life and assassination of JFK.
Key events
1940: JFK graduated from Harvard
World War II: JFK becomes leader of torpedo boats, earns Purple
Heart & Navy and Marine Corps Medal
1954: becomes US senator
Jan. 20, 1961: became president
1962 Cuban Missile Crisis (13 day ordeal where the Soviet Union
threatened to send missiles to the US; caused threat of nuclear
war)
November 22, 1963: JFK assassinated
Who is JFK? 35th president of the USA (1961-1963)
How is JFKs family like? A powerful and wealthy family with 4 sons and 5
daughters.
What is JFKs education like? Harvard (best of his family) Why was JFK in Dallas, Texas that day? He went to Texas in preparation of his
How was JFK celebrated as a war hero? earns Purple Heart & Navy and Marine presidential campaign. He also wanted to discuss issues among the democratic
Corps Medal leaders in the area.
Who is JFKs wife? Jacqueline Bouvier Where was JFK killed? During the motorcade on Main Street and Dealey Plaza
Who was an influential figure in helping JFK become president? JFKs dad (Joe Which hospital did JFK die in? Parkland Memorial Hospital
Kennedy) Who took over the office after JFK died? Lyndon B. Johnson
What was positions did JFK hold before he became president? House of Who swore in Lyndon Johnson? US District Court Judge Sarah Hughes
Representatives and Senate
What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis? The US promised not to attack
Cuba as long as they were not attacked first. 5 Ways JFKs Assassination Changed America Forever
Where was JFK assassinated? Dallas, Texas https://mic.com/articles/74069/5-ways-jfk-s-assassination-changed-america-
Who assassinated JFK? Lee Harvey Oswald forever#.LwwxNz6El

JFK's Assassination | National Geographic 1. Television Surpassed Newspapers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEVfKKjODBg
2. Dawn of the Conspiracies Era
A video that shows the TV broadcasts that occurred on the day of JFKs
assassination.
3. A Permanent Distrust in Federal Government
Video description: On Nov. 22, 1963, hundreds of hours of TV news, radio
reports, and home movies captured history as it was chaotically unfolding.
4. A Full-On U.S. Military Engagement In Vietnam
Who was hurt during this day? JFK and Governor Connally
5. The Great Society
November 22, 1963: Death of the President
https://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/November-22-1963-Death-of-the- Five Ways the JFK Assassination Changed the World
President.aspx http://www.huffingtonpost.com/garry-rodgers/jfk-assassination_b_8603938.html

This is an article that discusses the day of JFKs assassination. It tells you 1. 1964 Presidential Election.
why he was there, what happened right after, and more. 2. Civil Rights
Warren Commission
On November 29, 1963 President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed 3. Space Program
the President's Commission on the Assassination of President
Kennedy. It came to be known as the Warren Commission after its
4. The Cold War
chairman, Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.
President Johnson directed the commission to evaluate matters
relating to the assassination and the subsequent killing of the 5. Vietnam
alleged assassin, and to report its findings and conclusions to him.
The House Select Committee on Assasinations
The US House of Representatives established the House Select
Committee on Assassinations in 1976 to reopen the investigation
of the assassination in light of allegations that previous inquiries
had not received the full cooperation of federal agencies.
Explain the key events of the Civil Rights movement; include Brown
v. Board of Education (1954), the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on
Washington, Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act.

Brown v. BOE

Videos:

Civil Rights Movement for Kids: Brown vs. Board of Education

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEQ1uG4PZcA

Brainpop: Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka

https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/brownvsboardofeducationofto
peka/

Notes:

Brown vs. BOE Facts for Kids

http://www.american-historama.org/1945-1989-cold-war-era/brown-vs-board-
education.htm

Montgomery Bus Boycott