Arkansas National Guard

Definition

The Arkansas National Guard is a reserve military force that serves both state and federal missions, consisting of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard units based in Arkansas. During the events surrounding the integration of public schools, it played a pivotal role by intervening in the desegregation process, which highlighted the complex relationship between state authority and federal mandates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In September 1957, Governor Orval Faubus used the Arkansas National Guard to block nine African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School, defying federal desegregation orders.
2. The intervention of the Arkansas National Guard escalated tensions and led to a confrontation between state and federal authorities, showcasing the struggle over civil rights in America.
3. President Dwight D. Eisenhower eventually intervened by sending federal troops to ensure the safety of the Little Rock Nine and uphold the Supreme Court's ruling on desegregation.
4. The Arkansas National Guard's actions were controversial and highlighted the divided opinions on race relations and integration within Arkansas and the nation.
5. The crisis at Little Rock Central High School became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, leading to increased national attention on segregation issues and further mobilizing activists.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Arkansas National Guard impact the integration of Little Rock Central High School?
  • The Arkansas National Guard initially blocked the entry of the Little Rock Nine, which directly hindered their ability to integrate into Central High School. This act represented a direct challenge to federal authority and Supreme Court rulings on desegregation. The situation escalated into a national crisis that required federal intervention, ultimately highlighting the tensions between state policies and federal mandates regarding civil rights.
• Discuss the role of Governor Orval Faubus in using the Arkansas National Guard against school integration efforts during the Little Rock Nine crisis.
  • Governor Orval Faubus played a crucial role by ordering the Arkansas National Guard to prevent African American students from entering Central High School, thereby taking a strong stance against desegregation. His decision reflected his commitment to maintaining segregation in schools despite federal laws mandating integration. Faubus's actions not only defied federal authority but also intensified national debates about civil rights and state sovereignty.
• Evaluate the significance of federal intervention in response to the Arkansas National Guard's actions during the Little Rock Nine incident.
  • Federal intervention was significant because it demonstrated a decisive stance against state resistance to desegregation laws, emphasizing that federal authority would uphold civil rights regardless of local opposition. The deployment of federal troops to escort the Little Rock Nine marked a turning point in the civil rights movement, illustrating how national governance could influence local conditions. This intervention not only provided immediate protection for those students but also symbolized a broader commitment to enforcing civil rights across the nation, setting a precedent for future actions against segregation.

Related terms

Desegregation: The process of ending the separation of races, particularly in schools, which was a central issue during the civil rights movement.

Governor Orval Faubus: The governor of Arkansas during the Little Rock Nine crisis, who opposed school integration and called in the National Guard to prevent Black students from entering Central High School.

Civil Rights Movement: A decades-long movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans, significantly impacting legislation and social attitudes.