Page 1
What inspired the wave of urban riots in the 1960s? Why had such upheavals not occurred more frequently in earlier decades? Why did so many black communities erupt in violence even as the federal government adopted a more active and effectual role in ensuring African Americans’ political rights?
Page 2
Describe the differences between the black power movement and the mainstream civil rights movement. What explains the greater militancy of the former in spite of the significant legislative gains won by the latter? In light of broader movements in American culture during the 1960s, might one conclude that black power was as much a youth revolt against the older generation as a black revolt against white oppression?
Page 3
In recent years, Malcolm X has arguably emerged as an unproblematic hero for many Americans, black and white. Analyze his current respectability in light of the controversy that he inspired during his own time. What controversial ideas and practices did he embrace? Was he as dangerous and radical as many Americans in his day believed, or was his agenda a prescient harbinger of the later black power movement?
