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Strom Thurmond and the Civil Rights Act of 1957

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Strom Thurmond, a prominent politician from South Carolina, was a vocal opponent of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. He conducted a 24-hour and 18-minute filibuster against the bill, which was a record at the time. Thurmond’s opposition to the Civil Rights Act was rooted in his belief in states’ rights and his opposition to federal intervention in matters of race relations.


Filibuster

Thurmond’s filibuster was a significant event in the history of the Civil Rights Act. He spoke for nearly a day, citing various reasons why the bill was unconstitutional and would lead to chaos in the country. His speech was a testament to his opposition to the Civil Rights Act and his commitment to states’ rights.


Legacy

Thurmond’s legacy is complex and controversial. While he was a vocal opponent of the Civil Rights Act, he also worked to promote civil rights in other areas. He was a strong supporter of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and worked to reauthorize it in the 1980s.


Interesting Facts

  • Strom Thurmond was a prominent politician from South Carolina who served in the Senate for over 47 years.

  • He was a vocal opponent of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and conducted a 24-hour and 18-minute filibuster against the bill.

  • Thurmond was a strong supporter of states’ rights and believed that the federal government should not intervene in matters of race relations.

  • He was a strong supporter of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and worked to reauthorize it in the 1980s.

  • Thurmond’s legacy is complex and controversial, with some viewing him as a champion of states’ rights and others seeing him as a racist who opposed civil rights.


Timeline

  • 1957: Strom Thurmond conducts a 24-hour and 18-minute filibuster against the Civil Rights Act.

  • 1964: Thurmond votes against the Civil Rights Act.

  • 1965: Thurmond supports the Voting Rights Act.

  • 1980s: Thurmond works to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act.


Sources

  • Strom Thurmond's Filibuster Against the Civil Rights Act of 1957” by the Senate Historical Office

  • Strom Thurmond: A Biography” by Robert V. Remini

  • “The Civil Rights Act of 1957” by the National Archives and Records Administration

  • “The Voting Rights Act of 1965” by the National Archives and Records Administration





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