Executive Order 10730: Little Rock Desegregation

Questions for Further Study

• 1. Why did Eisenhower send troops to Little Rock? How important were each of the following: his desire to maintain public order, his commitment to civil rights, his understanding of his responsibilities as president, his concern about the international effects of the disturbances at Central High? What do you think was the primary reason for his decision?
• 2. Eisenhower insisted that government action could not eliminate racial discrimination unless there was a change in public attitudes and people accepted the idea of equal rights. Do you think he was right? What should government do to eliminate racial injustice? How important are individual attitudes on racial issues in ensuring fairness and equality for all Americans?
• 3. Eisenhower's decision to send troops to Little Rock was extremely controversial; it elicited praise and provoked angry denunciations. Explain how you think each of the following reacted to Eisenhower's action and the reasons for their views: Arkansas governor Orval Faubus, a member of the Little Rock Nine, a white student at Central High, and a member of the 101st Airborne Division.
• 4. The school year of 1957–1958 was an extraordinary one for the Little Rock Nine. Use the documents, Web sites, and books and articles in the bibliography to gather information about what the school year was like for members of the Little Rock Nine. What were their most difficult experiences? What were their most rewarding experiences? What lessons did they learn from that school year? How did their experiences affect the rest of their lives?