Cold War Civil Rights: A Historical Debate (Year 12 and 13 Masterclass)

This masterclass will begin by establishing what the Civil Rights Movement and Cold War are before looking at the relationship between them, and the disagreements among historians about that relationship. Historians of the United States generally agree that the Cold War had an important impact on the African American Civil Rights movement after World War II. But they often disagree on whether the Cold War helped or hindered the struggle against racism in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. The masterclass will explore this debate, consider the relationship between different interpretations of the past and the politics of the present, and ask students to take a position on whether they think the Cold War aided the freedom movement or prevented the movement from bringing about true racial equality in the United States.

Individual bookings can be made by students in Year 12 or 13. Please note you may not be allocated all the places you request depending on availability.