Did you know that the decision to send federal troops to Little Rock was a pivotal moment in American history? This article from rockscapes.net explores the historical context, the president’s motivations, and the lasting impact of this event on civil rights. Discover more about this crucial chapter and how it shaped the landscape of American society, including insights on civil rights enforcement, federal authority, and educational integration.
1. Who Was The President Who Sent Troops To Little Rock?
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the president who sent troops to Little Rock. In 1957, he deployed federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce the desegregation of Central High School.
1.1. What Prompted President Eisenhower’s Decision?
President Eisenhower’s decision was prompted by the Governor of Arkansas, Orval Faubus, using the National Guard to prevent nine African American students, known as the “Little Rock Nine,” from entering Central High School. This action defied a federal court order to desegregate the school, leading to a constitutional crisis. According to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Eisenhower felt compelled to act to uphold federal law and prevent anarchy.
1.2. What Was The Significance Of Eisenhower’s Action?
Eisenhower’s action was significant because it marked the first time since Reconstruction that a president had sent federal troops to the South to enforce civil rights. It demonstrated the federal government’s commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Historian Taylor Branch noted in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Parting the Waters,” that this event was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library
1.3. What Specific Order Did Eisenhower Issue?
Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10730. This order authorized the Secretary of Defense to order units of the National Guard of the United States and the Air National Guard of the United States within the State of Arkansas into active military service of the United States. The order also authorized the Secretary of Defense to use such of the armed forces of the United States as he deemed necessary to enforce the orders of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The full text of Executive Order 10730 can be found on the National Archives website.
1.4. Which Units Were Deployed To Little Rock?
The 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was deployed to Little Rock. These soldiers were tasked with ensuring the safety of the Little Rock Nine and enforcing the court’s desegregation order. The deployment of the 101st Airborne was a clear message that the federal government was prepared to use force to uphold the law.
2. What Were The Events Leading Up To The Troop Deployment?
The events leading up to the troop deployment in Little Rock were a series of escalating conflicts and legal battles over desegregation. The situation highlighted the deep-seated resistance to racial integration in the South and the federal government’s role in enforcing constitutional rights.
2.1. What Was The Supreme Court’s Role?
The Supreme Court’s role was pivotal with the Brown v. Board of Education decision. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that state-sponsored segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). This landmark decision paved the way for desegregation efforts across the country.
2.2. How Did Arkansas Respond To The Desegregation Ruling?
Arkansas initially attempted to comply with the desegregation ruling, but resistance quickly grew. Governor Orval Faubus, facing political pressure, took a stand against integration. According to a report by the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, Faubus’s actions were largely motivated by political calculations.
2.3. What Role Did Governor Faubus Play?
Governor Faubus played a central role in the crisis by defying the federal court order. He ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from entering Central High School, claiming it was necessary to maintain order. This action directly challenged federal authority and set the stage for Eisenhower’s intervention.
Governor Orval Faubus
2.4. Who Were The Little Rock Nine?
The Little Rock Nine were nine African American students who attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock. These students faced intense harassment and discrimination, but their courage and determination helped to advance the cause of civil rights. The nine students were:
- Ernest Green
- Elizabeth Eckford
- Jefferson Thomas
- Terrence Roberts
- Carlotta Walls LaNier
- Minnijean Brown Trickey
- Gloria Ray Karlmark
- Thelma Mothershed Wair
- Melba Pattillo Beals
2.5. What Challenges Did The Little Rock Nine Face?
The Little Rock Nine faced immense challenges, including verbal and physical abuse from white students and community members. They were often isolated and ostracized, but they persevered with the support of civil rights activists and, eventually, the protection of federal troops. Elizabeth Eckford’s experience, captured in a famous photograph, became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights.
3. What Was The Immediate Aftermath Of The Troop Deployment?
The immediate aftermath of the troop deployment in Little Rock was a period of tense integration and continued resistance. While the presence of federal troops allowed the Little Rock Nine to attend school, the underlying racial tensions remained high.
3.1. How Did The Community React To The Troops?
The community’s reaction to the troops was divided. Many white residents resented the federal intervention and continued to protest against integration. However, some residents, both white and black, supported the troops’ presence as a necessary step towards upholding the law.
3.2. What Was The Role Of The 101st Airborne Division?
The 101st Airborne Division’s role was to maintain order and protect the Little Rock Nine. Soldiers escorted the students to and from school, patrolled the hallways, and prevented violent outbursts. Their presence ensured that the students could attend classes without immediate physical danger.
3.3. How Long Did The Troops Remain In Little Rock?
The 101st Airborne Division remained in Little Rock for several weeks. After their departure, the Arkansas National Guard, now under federal control, continued to provide security at Central High School for the remainder of the school year.
3.4. Did The Little Rock Nine Successfully Integrate The School?
Yes, the Little Rock Nine successfully integrated the school, although they faced ongoing challenges. Despite the harassment and discrimination, they persevered and completed the school year. Ernest Green was the first African American to graduate from Central High School in 1958.
3.5. What Happened After The Initial Year Of Integration?
After the initial year of integration, Governor Faubus closed all Little Rock high schools in the fall of 1958 to prevent further desegregation, a period known as “The Lost Year.” However, the schools were reopened in 1959 under court order, and gradual desegregation continued.
4. What Was The Long-Term Impact Of The Little Rock Crisis?
The long-term impact of the Little Rock crisis was profound, shaping the course of the Civil Rights Movement and solidifying the federal government’s role in protecting civil rights. The events in Little Rock served as a stark reminder of the deep-seated racism in the South and the lengths to which some were willing to go to resist integration.
4.1. How Did It Affect The Civil Rights Movement?
The Little Rock crisis galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. The images of the Little Rock Nine facing angry mobs and the sight of federal troops enforcing desegregation drew national and international attention to the struggle for racial equality. According to historian John Kirk’s “Beyond Little Rock: The Origins and Legacies of the Central High Crisis,” the crisis helped to mobilize public opinion in favor of civil rights legislation.
4.2. What Legal Changes Resulted From The Crisis?
The Little Rock crisis contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These landmark laws strengthened the federal government’s ability to protect voting rights and prohibit discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations.
4.3. How Did It Change The Relationship Between The Federal Government And The States?
The crisis affirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law in matters of civil rights. It demonstrated that the federal government was willing to use its power, including military force, to enforce constitutional rights and prevent state-sponsored discrimination.
4.4. What Lessons Were Learned From The Little Rock Crisis?
The lessons learned from the Little Rock crisis include the importance of federal intervention in protecting civil rights, the resilience of those who fight for equality, and the need for ongoing vigilance against racism and discrimination. The crisis also highlighted the power of media in shaping public opinion and raising awareness of social injustices.
Little Rock Nine Memorial
4.5. How Is The Event Commemorated Today?
The event is commemorated today through the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, which preserves the school and tells the story of the Little Rock Nine. The memorial at the Arkansas State Capitol also honors the students and their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
5. What Was Eisenhower’s Stance on Civil Rights?
Eisenhower’s stance on civil rights was complex and often misunderstood. While he may not have been a passionate advocate for civil rights, he was committed to upholding the law and enforcing court orders.
5.1. What Were Eisenhower’s Personal Views On Segregation?
Eisenhower’s personal views on segregation were moderate for his time. He believed in gradual progress and was wary of federal intervention in state matters. However, he also recognized the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
5.2. How Did His Actions In Little Rock Reflect His Beliefs?
His actions in Little Rock reflected his belief in the rule of law. While he may have preferred a more gradual approach to desegregation, he felt compelled to act when Governor Faubus defied a federal court order. His decision to send troops demonstrated his commitment to upholding the Constitution, even when it meant going against his personal preferences.
5.3. What Other Civil Rights Actions Did Eisenhower Take?
Eisenhower also signed the first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which aimed to protect voting rights. He also appointed Earl Warren as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who presided over the Brown v. Board of Education case.
5.4. How Was Eisenhower’s Civil Rights Record Viewed At The Time?
Eisenhower’s civil rights record was viewed with mixed opinions at the time. Civil rights activists praised his actions in Little Rock but criticized his reluctance to take a more proactive stance on civil rights. Southern Democrats condemned his intervention in Little Rock as an overreach of federal power.
5.5. How Is Eisenhower’s Civil Rights Record Viewed Today?
Today, Eisenhower’s civil rights record is viewed with more nuance. While he is not typically considered a champion of civil rights, his actions in Little Rock are recognized as a crucial moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Historians acknowledge that his commitment to the rule of law played a significant role in advancing the cause of racial equality.
6. What Were The Legal And Constitutional Issues At Stake?
The legal and constitutional issues at stake during the Little Rock crisis centered on the balance of power between the federal government and the states, as well as the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection clause.
6.1. What Was The Legal Basis For Federal Intervention?
The legal basis for federal intervention was rooted in the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which states that federal law is supreme to state law. The Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law, also provided a basis for federal action to enforce desegregation.
6.2. How Did The Crisis Test The Supremacy Clause?
The crisis tested the Supremacy Clause by pitting federal court orders against state laws and the governor’s authority. Governor Faubus’s defiance of the federal court order directly challenged the Supremacy Clause, forcing Eisenhower to assert federal authority.
6.3. What Was The Role Of The Fourteenth Amendment?
The Fourteenth Amendment played a crucial role in the crisis by providing the legal basis for desegregation. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which was based on the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection clause, declared state-sponsored segregation unconstitutional.
6.4. How Did The Crisis Affect The Interpretation Of Equal Protection?
The crisis reinforced the interpretation of equal protection as requiring states to actively desegregate schools and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of race. It also clarified that the federal government had the authority to enforce this requirement.
6.5. What Were The Arguments Against Federal Intervention?
The arguments against federal intervention typically centered on states’ rights and the idea that the federal government was overstepping its authority. Southern politicians argued that the federal government should not interfere in matters of education, which they believed were the responsibility of the states.
7. How Did The Media Cover The Little Rock Crisis?
The media played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness of the Little Rock crisis. The images and stories that emerged from Little Rock had a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
7.1. Which News Outlets Provided Coverage?
Major news outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CBS News provided extensive coverage of the Little Rock crisis. Television news, in particular, brought the events to life for millions of Americans.
7.2. What Types Of Images Were Circulated?
Images of the Little Rock Nine facing angry mobs, Elizabeth Eckford being harassed by white protesters, and federal troops escorting students to school were widely circulated. These images became iconic symbols of the Civil Rights Movement.
Elizabeth Eckford
7.3. How Did The Coverage Affect Public Opinion?
The coverage of the Little Rock crisis helped to galvanize public opinion in favor of civil rights. Many Americans were shocked by the images of violence and discrimination and became more sympathetic to the cause of racial equality.
7.4. Did The Media Play A Biased Role?
The media’s role was complex and not without bias. While many journalists sought to provide objective coverage, some Southern newspapers and broadcasters openly supported segregation. However, on balance, the media’s coverage helped to expose the injustices of segregation and promote the cause of civil rights.
7.5. How Did International Media Cover The Crisis?
International media also covered the Little Rock crisis, often portraying the United States in a negative light. The events in Little Rock damaged America’s image abroad and raised questions about its commitment to democracy and human rights.
8. What Were The Different Perspectives On The Crisis?
The Little Rock crisis was viewed from many different perspectives, reflecting the deep divisions within American society at the time. Understanding these different viewpoints is essential for comprehending the complexity of the crisis.
8.1. What Was The Perspective Of The Little Rock Nine?
The Little Rock Nine experienced the crisis firsthand and faced immense challenges. They were determined to get an equal education but were subjected to intense harassment and discrimination. Their courage and resilience inspired many.
8.2. How Did Governor Faubus Justify His Actions?
Governor Faubus justified his actions by claiming that he was acting to maintain order and prevent violence. He argued that the federal government was infringing on states’ rights and that the people of Arkansas were not ready for integration.
8.3. What Was The White Community’s Perspective?
The white community in Little Rock was divided on the issue of integration. Some white residents supported desegregation, but many others vehemently opposed it. They feared that integration would lead to a decline in the quality of education and a loss of their way of life.
8.4. What Was The African American Community’s Perspective?
The African American community in Little Rock overwhelmingly supported desegregation. They saw it as a crucial step towards achieving racial equality and ending the injustices of segregation. They were proud of the Little Rock Nine and grateful for the support of civil rights activists and the federal government.
8.5. What Was The Federal Government’s Perspective?
The federal government, under President Eisenhower, viewed the crisis as a test of its authority and a threat to the rule of law. Eisenhower believed that he had a duty to uphold the Constitution and enforce court orders, even if it meant using military force.
9. How Did The Little Rock Crisis Impact Education Policy?
The Little Rock crisis had a lasting impact on education policy in the United States. It led to increased federal oversight of schools and a greater emphasis on desegregation and equal opportunity.
9.1. Did It Lead To Further Desegregation Efforts?
Yes, it led to further desegregation efforts across the country. The crisis demonstrated the need for federal intervention to overcome resistance to desegregation and ensure that all students had access to equal educational opportunities.
9.2. How Did It Affect Federal Funding For Schools?
It led to increased federal funding for schools, particularly in districts that were actively desegregating. The federal government used financial incentives to encourage schools to comply with desegregation orders.
9.3. Did It Change The Curriculum In Schools?
It led to changes in the curriculum in schools, with a greater emphasis on African American history and civil rights. Schools began to incorporate more diverse perspectives and teach students about the struggles for racial equality.
9.4. How Did It Impact Teacher Training?
It led to changes in teacher training, with a greater emphasis on cultural sensitivity and understanding the needs of diverse students. Teachers were encouraged to create inclusive classrooms where all students felt valued and respected.
9.5. What Are Some Examples Of Lasting Policy Changes?
Some examples of lasting policy changes include the establishment of magnet schools to promote voluntary desegregation, the implementation of affirmative action programs to increase access to higher education for minority students, and the passage of laws to prohibit discrimination in schools.
10. What Were The Personal Stories Of Those Involved?
The personal stories of those involved in the Little Rock crisis are powerful and moving. They provide a human dimension to the historical events and highlight the courage, resilience, and determination of individuals who fought for civil rights.
10.1. What Happened To The Little Rock Nine After High School?
After high school, the Little Rock Nine went on to achieve success in various fields. Ernest Green was the first African American to graduate from Central High School and later became a successful investment banker. Carlotta Walls LaNier became a real estate broker. Minnijean Brown Trickey became a writer and activist.
10.2. How Did The Crisis Affect Their Lives?
The crisis had a profound and lasting impact on their lives. They faced immense challenges and discrimination, but they emerged stronger and more determined to fight for equality. They became role models for future generations of civil rights activists.
10.3. What Did They Do Later In Life?
Later in life, they remained active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked to promote education and opportunity for all. They received numerous awards and honors for their contributions to society.
10.4. How Did The Crisis Affect Governor Faubus’s Career?
The crisis had a mixed impact on Governor Faubus’s career. While he initially gained popularity among white Southerners for his defiance of federal authority, his actions were ultimately condemned by many Americans. He remained governor of Arkansas for many years but his legacy is forever tarnished by his role in the Little Rock crisis.
10.5. What Are Some Lasting Quotes From Those Involved?
Some lasting quotes from those involved include Elizabeth Eckford’s statement that “I didn’t think I was a hero. I was just trying to get to school” and Ernest Green’s observation that “Little Rock was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement.”
Navigating the complexities of historical events like the Little Rock crisis requires a deep understanding of the context, the key players, and the long-term consequences. At rockscapes.net, we strive to provide you with detailed insights and resources to explore these important topics.
Ready to delve deeper into the world of history and landscape? rockscapes.net offers a wealth of information, inspiration, and expert advice to help you explore the beauty and significance of the world around us. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks or landscape design, we’ve got you covered. Explore landscape design, stone types, and installation tips today.
FAQ: President and Little Rock
1. Why Did President Eisenhower Send Troops to Little Rock?
President Eisenhower sent troops to Little Rock to enforce the desegregation of Central High School after the Governor of Arkansas defied a federal court order.
2. When Did Eisenhower Send Troops to Little Rock?
Eisenhower sent troops to Little Rock in September 1957.
3. What Was Executive Order 10730?
Executive Order 10730 authorized the Secretary of Defense to order units of the National Guard into active military service to enforce desegregation in Little Rock.
4. Who Were the Little Rock Nine?
The Little Rock Nine were nine African American students who attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock.
5. What Division of the Military Was Sent to Little Rock?
The 101st Airborne Division was sent to Little Rock to ensure the safety of the Little Rock Nine.
6. How Long Did the Troops Stay in Little Rock?
The 101st Airborne Division remained in Little Rock for several weeks, after which the Arkansas National Guard, under federal control, took over.
7. What Was “The Lost Year” in Little Rock?
“The Lost Year” refers to the 1958-1959 school year when Governor Faubus closed all Little Rock high schools to prevent further desegregation.
8. What Was the Supreme Court’s Role in the Little Rock Crisis?
The Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared segregation unconstitutional, set the stage for the crisis.
9. How Did the Little Rock Crisis Affect the Civil Rights Movement?
The Little Rock Crisis galvanized the Civil Rights Movement, drawing national and international attention to the struggle for racial equality.
10. What Is the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site?
The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site preserves the school and tells the story of the Little Rock Nine, commemorating their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
