apr 3, 1963 - Birmingham protests/Bull Connor
Description:
1. What is it?
Because Birmingham was one of the most segregated cities in the US, the SCLC and MLK decided to hold protests and boycotts in this city; however, they were faced with large numbers of arrests and violence in the form of fire hoses and police dogs.
2. When did it happen?
April 3rd-May 10th, 1963
3. Who was involved?
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)- they were responsible for organizing the protests
- Martin Luther King Jr.- helped the protests; while jailed in Birmingham he wrote the Letter from Birmingham Jail.
- Eugene "Bull" Connors- ordered the fire hoses and police dogs that were used against the peaceful protesters
4. Where did it happen?
Birmingham, Alabama
5. One major cause
The timing was important because this crisis came right after the failure of the Albany Movement. The Albany Movement (occurring in Albany, Georgia) hurt MLK's reputation, so he was hoping to improve it once again with another campaign.
6. One major effect
The Birmingham Campaign helped lead to the March on Washington. The protests in Birmingham once again boosted MLK's reputation, which resulted in him assisting the March and giving his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Added to timeline:
Civil Rights Timeline
Date:
