Question

Who was George Wallace? (A) He was one of the leading African-American protestors in 1965. (B) He was the president of the United States. (C) He was the governor of Alabama. (D) He was the police chief of the Alabama state troopers.

Short answer

(C) He was the governor of Alabama.

Step-by-step solution

1. Read the question and options carefully

Begin by reading the question and the options given to make sure you understand what is being asked and the choices presented. The question asks, "Who was George Wallace?"

2. Recall historical knowledge about George Wallace

To answer this question correctly, try to remember what you have learned in history or social studies class about George Wallace. If you are unsure, you may need to do some research in a textbook or online to find information about him.

3. Choose the correct option based on your knowledge

After reviewing your knowledge and any available resources, determine which of the options (A, B, C, or D) best describes who George Wallace was.

4. Answer the question

Based on your knowledge and research, you can now confidently answer the question. In this case, the correct answer is: (C) He was the governor of Alabama. George Wallace was an American politician who served as the 45th governor of Alabama for four non-consecutive terms. He is best known for his strong support for racial segregation during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

Key concepts

Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal series of events in the United States aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and ensuring legal recognition and federal protection of the citizenship rights enumerated in the Constitution and federal law. Key figures of the movement included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, among others.

During the 1950s and 1960s, activists utilized a combination of strategies from legal challenges, nonviolent protests, and marches to demand social justice and equality. Seminal events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches underscored the movement's focus on civil disobedience and peaceful protest. The movement's efforts led to significant legislative progress with laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle systemic racism and protect voting rights.

American politicians

American politicians have played various roles influencing the country's policies and shaping its history. They range from Presidents, Senators, Governors, to local officials and have included both proponents and opponents of civil rights and reforms. Notable examples include President Lyndon B. Johnson, who signed the Civil Rights Act into law, and figures such as Senator Strom Thurmond who led the longest filibuster in history in opposition to civil rights legislation.

Politicians like George Wallace, the Governor of Alabama mentioned in our exercise, represent the complexity of American political life. While initially known for his strong support of segregation, including his infamous stand in the schoolhouse door to prevent integration, Wallace later in his career sought to make amends with the African American community. His political journey reflects the tumultuous path of race relations and the potential for transformation in a politician's career and viewpoints.

US history

US history is rich and varied, encompassing struggles for independence, expansion, wars, and movements for equality. It captures the stories of diverse people and complex events shaping the nation's identity. From the founding of the country and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence to the modern era marked by technological advancements and social change, US history is a tapestry of interconnected events.

Understanding US history, especially the Civil Rights Movement, helps contextualize the roles played by individuals such as George Wallace and the broader societal shifts. Reflecting on history may reveal the growth of a nation while recognizing the continuous efforts required to achieve a more equitable society. It underscores the ongoing relevance of historical knowledge in informing current issues and shaping future policies.