What factors changed black American civil rights between 1945 and 1963?

Presidents (positive change)

Changing laws

Changing attitudes

Challenging segregation

Truman used an executive order to desegregate the armed forces (1948)

Important as it was the first examples of mass desegregation from a president

Truman desegregated Washington DC

Important because it showed Truman committed to some change

Eisenhower used federal troops to enforce Little Rock desegregation

Important as it was the first time a president used his power over a state to secure civil rights

Eisenhower appointed liberal judges to the Supreme Court

Important as they began to support desegregation in the courts (laws began to be challenged)

Kennedy promised a Civil Rights Bill after Birmingham

Important as the bill promised to make segregation illegal

Kennedy (eventually) promised to enforce interstate desegregation laws during Freedom Rides

Important as it meant an aspect of segregation was finally defeated

Truman's To Secure These Rights report recommended an anti-lynching bill

Important as it as an attempt to stop racial violence

Eisenhower passed two civil rights acts (1957 & 1960)

Important as they were the first civil rights acts since 1875

Truman's To Secure These Rights report highlighted a range of issues surrounding treatment of blacks

Important as the report recommended dramatic changes for its time (voting rights, no poll tax)

Truman tried to end discrimination in government employment

Important as it showed a shift in opinion from a president towards black rights

Kennedy promised a civil rights bill in 1963

First time a president publicly committed to securing significant black civil rights

Eisenhower continued Truman's work to desegregate army

Important as it showed a new president wanted carry on the struggle

Eisenhower overruled Governor Faubus in Little Rock

Important as it showed a president who was willing to use federal power if states ignored the law

Presidents (limitations)

Challenging segregation

Changing laws

Changing attitudes

Eisenhower's civil rights acts were diluted by Congress

Only increased black voting numbers by a tiny amount

All presidents relied on Southern support so had to tread carefully

Important as they were unwilling to promote major change

Kennedy only promised a civil rights bill after Birmingham turned violent

The media prompted him to act

Truman's To Secure These Rights report failed to make an impact (Congress got in the way)

Eisenhower stayed silent over Emmett Till's death

Eisenhower never publicly supported Brown decision

Important as it could have persuaded more states to comply

Eisenhower and Kennedy slow to act during desegregation battles

Eisenhower with Little Rock

Kennedy with Freedom Rides and Birmingham

Eisenhower never spoke in support of Montgomery bus boycotters

Truman's desegregation of the armed forces delayed for over two years

Important as he could have made a stand against violence

Eisenhower and Kennedy sat on the fence and failed to act quickly

Important as it made states feel they could ignore new desegregation and voting laws

Little Rock, Brown, civil rights acts

Eisenhower and Kennedy didn't publicly support civil rights protestors

Kennedy with Freedom Rides

Eisenhower with Montgomery and Greensboro sit ins