/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 104 What is the most likely reason t... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

What is the most likely reason that President Johnson decided to end his speech to Congress with the phrase "And we shall overcome"? (A) "We Shall Overcome" was a protest song that was a key anthem of the Civil Rights movement. (B) He meant that we (the government) would come over to Alabama to set things right. (C) He meant that African Americans would soon get over their desire to gain the right to vote. (D) He meant that Governor Wallace would soon achieve victory.

Short Answer

Expert verified
(A) "We Shall Overcome" was a protest song that was a key anthem of the Civil Rights movement.

Step by step solution

01

Historical background of "We Shall Overcome"

In the context of the American Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, "We Shall Overcome" was a song that turned into an anthem of unity and resilience for the people involved in fighting discrimination and seeking equal rights. It symbolizes the struggle for equality, social justice, and the end of racial segregation.
02

Understanding President Johnson's Speech

The speech in question was delivered by President Lyndon B. Johnson to Congress, where he sought support for a voting rights act following the events of "Bloody Sunday," a violent altercation between African American civil rights activists and local police in Selma, Alabama. The context of the speech was aimed at uniting the nation to fight for the rights of African Americans and supporting their cause.
03

Comparing the given options

Now that we have an understanding of the historical background and context of the speech, let's compare the options: (A) "We Shall Overcome" was a protest song that was a key anthem of the Civil Rights movement. This option refers to the significance within the Civil Rights movement and connects it to the purpose of Johnson's speech, making it a likely reason for him using the phrase. (B) He meant that we (the government) would come over to Alabama to set things right. This option does not capture the essence of "We Shall Overcome" or its connection to the Civil Rights movement. It is an unlikely reason for Johnson to end his speech with that phrase. (C) He meant that African Americans would soon get over their desire to gain the right to vote. This option contradicts the purpose of Johnson's speech and the Civil Rights movement altogether. It is an unlikely reason for him using the phrase. (D) He meant that Governor Wallace would soon achieve victory. This option does not relate to the theme of the Civil Rights movement or the campaign for equal rights. It is an unlikely reason for Johnson to end his speech with "We Shall Overcome."
04

Determining the most likely reason

After comparing the options, the most likely reason that President Johnson decided to end his speech to Congress with the phrase "And we shall overcome" is: (A) "We Shall Overcome" was a protest song that was a key anthem of the Civil Rights movement. This choice highlights the importance of the phrase within the context of the Civil Rights movement and connects it directly to the speech's overall purpose: to support equal rights and voting rights for African Americans.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal era in American history, centered on the relentless struggle for African Americans to gain equal rights under the law. The movement famously spanned the 1950s and 1960s and heralded a series of social and legislative changes aimed at dismantling racial segregation and discrimination.

To understand the movement's significance, one must consider the context of the time – a period marked by Jim Crow laws, disenfranchisement, and institutional racism. Activists utilized nonviolent protests, civil disobedience, and legal challenges to bring about change. Key events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches, galvanized public support and pressured the government to act.

Influence of Music and Art

Music and art played an instrumental role within the movement, with songs like 'We Shall Overcome' rallying cries that united demonstrators, offering hope and solidarity. This song, in particular, encapsulated the spirit of the movement and became an anthem for those fighting for civil rights.
Lyndon B. Johnson Speech
President Lyndon B. Johnson's speech to Congress on March 15, 1965, was a critical moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Following the horrific events of 'Bloody Sunday' in Selma, Alabama, where peaceful protesters were met with violent resistance, Johnson delivered a passionate appeal for voting rights legislation.

The speech marked a turning point in the government's approach to civil rights. Johnson invoked the phrase 'We shall overcome', borrowing explicitly from the movement's anthem to underline his commitment to the cause. By doing so, he aligned himself with the activists and their struggle, thus making it clear that the federal government would no longer tolerate the systemic disenfranchisement of African American citizens.

Political Significance

Johnson's choice to use 'We Shall Overcome' was a calculated political move, signaling to both Congress and the nation the urgency and righteousness of the voting rights cause. It also helped to shift the narrative, portraying the government as an ally in the fight for equality.
Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is widely considered one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. Its passage aimed to eliminate the barriers to voting that African Americans faced, particularly in the Southern states. Prior to the act, practices like literacy tests and poll taxes were commonly used to suppress the black vote.

This landmark piece of legislation outlawed discriminatory voting practices and gave the federal government the power to oversee voter registration and election procedures in states with histories of voting-related discrimination. As a result, the number of African American voters dramatically increased, paving the way for more equitable political representation.

Long-Term Impact

The Voting Rights Act has had far-reaching implications, shaping the political landscape of the United States for generations. It has been subject to amendments over the years to address new challenges and is still the subject of political debate and legal interpretation.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following is the riskiest investment? (A) buying stock in a single startup company (B) putting your money in a savings account at the bank (C) buying stock in several large established corporations (D) putting your money in U.S. Government bonds

What spurred the debate about lowering the voting age that led to the passing of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment in 1972? (A) Conscription during the Vietnam War meant than many 18-to 20-year-olds were angry that they were considered old enough to fight for their country but not old enough to vote. (B) Many 18- to 20-year-olds were angry that they were considered old enough to drink alcohol but not old enough to vote. (C) Many 18- to 20-year-olds were angry that they were considered old enough to drive but not old enough to drink alcohol. (D) Many 18- to 20-year-olds were angry that they were considered old enough to vote but not old enough to fight for their country.

What happens if the president tries to return an unsigned bill to Congress while its members are on a month-long vacation? (A) The bill automatically becomes law after 10 days. (B) The bill is automatically rejected after 10 days. (C) Congress can still pass the bill into law with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses when they return from vacation. (D) The president has to try again when Congress returns from vacation.

Globalization, which occurs whenever companies shift their focus from a local or regional basis to an international basis, can lead to the outsourcing of jobs overseas. Which of the following is an example of globalization? (A) A car manufacturer invests in robots to assemble its cars and then lays off hundreds of workers who used to do that job. (B) A computer manufacturer finds it cheaper to outsource its customer service call center to workers in India instead of employing local workers. (C) A sales rep goes on vacation to Europe instead of going to California. (D) A Chinese company hires local Chinese workers for its factory in Beijing.

During 1965, support for America's involvement in the war in Vietnam was strong, but in less than two years, the war became unpopular at home, leading to student protests across the country. All the following would be a valid reason for students to protest the war EXCEPT (A) more and more young people were being drafted to fight in Vietnam. (B) the students believed that America's involvement in the war in Vietnam was a necessary evil. (C) graphic photos showing atrocities against Vietnamese women and children stoked outrage among the American public. (D) the numbers of American soldier casualties were increasing each year, and more and more troops were being sent over to fight in the war.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on History Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.