Essay Plan: Which brought more change to American Society after 1950: Civil Rights Campaigns or the Actions of Kennedy & Johnson?

Introduction
Following World War II, American society underwent a period of significant transformation. The burgeoning Civil Rights Movement challenged deeply ingrained racial segregation and discrimination, while the Cold War shaped both domestic and foreign policy. This essay will examine the relative impact of the Civil Rights Movement and the actions of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson on American society after 1950. Ultimately, while both contributed to social change, it was the unwavering activism and grassroots campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement that served as the primary catalyst. This essay will argue that the movement created the moral and political pressure that forced political leaders, including Kennedy and Johnson, to address the inequalities within American society.

Body Paragraph 1: The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement, through its diverse strategies and unwavering commitment, generated a moral and political force that was impossible to ignore, laying the groundwork for significant societal shifts. The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56), sparked by Rosa Parks's courageous act of defiance, demonstrated the power of nonviolent direct action. It exposed the injustices of segregation on a national scale and set a precedent for future campaigns. The March on Washington (1963), a pivotal event that drew over 250,000 people, galvanized public support for civil rights. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, articulated the movement's goals and inspired millions. Freedom Summer (1964), a voter registration drive in Mississippi, revealed the brutal realities of segregation in the Deep South. The violence and intimidation faced by activists, many of whom were young volunteers, shocked the nation and spurred calls for federal intervention.

Body Paragraph 2: The Role of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson
While initially hesitant to fully embrace the Civil Rights Movement, Presidents Kennedy and Johnson were ultimately compelled to act, driven by a combination of political expediency and moral obligation. Kennedy, during the early years of his presidency, prioritized Cold War concerns and feared alienating Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights legislation. However, the events of the Birmingham Protests in 1963, where peaceful demonstrators, including children, were met with police brutality, forced a shift in his stance. The images of violence, broadcast on national television, shocked the nation's conscience. Kennedy, recognizing the moral imperative and the growing public pressure, delivered a televised address to the nation, expressing his support for civil rights and proposing landmark legislation. Following Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson, capitalizing on national sentiment and his own political skills, shepherded the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through Congress. This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Johnson went further by signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Body Paragraph 3: The Interplay of Activism and Presidential Action
The actions of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, while significant, were inextricably linked to the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement. It was the movement that created the political climate where presidential action became not only possible but necessary. The movement's strategic use of nonviolent resistance, coupled with its ability to garner media attention, resulted in a dramatic shift in public opinion. Images of peaceful protesters being attacked with fire hoses and police dogs sparked outrage and sympathy nationwide, forcing elected officials to confront the issue of racial injustice. Furthermore, the timing of Kennedy and Johnson's actions coincided with pivotal moments in the movement, suggesting a responsiveness to public sentiment. Kennedy's proposal for civil rights legislation followed the violence in Birmingham, while Johnson's success in passing both the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act was undoubtedly influenced by the momentum generated by the March on Washington and the Freedom Summer campaign.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while Presidents Kennedy and Johnson played significant roles in enacting groundbreaking civil rights legislation, it was the unwavering activism of the Civil Rights Movement that served as the primary catalyst for social change. The movement's ability to mobilize public opinion, expose the injustices of segregation, and create a moral imperative for action proved essential in compelling political leaders to address the issue of racial inequality. The legacy of the Civil Rights Movement continues to inspire activism and fight for equality today, demonstrating the power of grassroots movements in driving societal transformation.