1. How far has the importance of Martin Luther King been
exaggerated?
Intro:
Who was MLK?
What is he famous for? – short explanation of his key influences – Speech, leader, inspiration,
symbol, death leads to many changes to be made in his honour
Make brief reference to contrasting opinions on MLK – use quotes (one positive Vs one Negative)
State you opinion as to how important he was in Civil Rights in comparison to other factors -
mention who else you feel as important
Section 1 –MLK focus
Importance of MLK? –
he has different roles - as a leader (tactics, organisation, uniting organisations) ,
as an inspirer (speeches, non-violent campaign, getting public support for direct actions),
Influencing legal changes(using his fame to raise profile of incidents which lead to change, his stature
allows him to speak to Presidents)
MLK’s strengths and weaknesses
Section 2 – Starting the Civil Rights Movement
Was MLK significant in starting the Civil Rights Movement? – when did Civil Rights actually start?
Who played key roles in it starting?
What had been achieved by the time MLK becomes involved?
Would MLK have been able to have made changes if it wasn’t for these changes?
Section 3 – Others involved
The significance of other (supposedly ‘Less important’) African Americans – Rosa Parks, Oliver
Brown, 9 black teenagers in Little Rock, teenagers in the sit-ins, NAACP
How MLK helps their cause – did they need MLK or did he need them?

2. Section 4 – Extremists
White Racists – did they inadvertently help the Civil Rights movement? Did King manipulate them to
do what he wanted?
Black racists – Black Power, Black Panthers, Malcolm X – did they help or hinder king?
Section 5 – Government
Role of the Government - How did Presidents help the movement/how did the Suprme court help
the movement?
Lincoln (although you may have already looked at him in the start of the movement)
Truman – bravest President?
Eisenhower – inadvertently/reluctantly/forced to help – link to the influence of white extremists and
MLKs tactics
JFK – wanted to help but didn’t get chance
Johnson – helps in honour of JFK – did he want to help?
Section 6 - Conclusions
How important was MLK?
Who/what was the most important influence on Civil Rights?
Good Conclusions will make links between different influences – one couldn’t be successful without
the other