13.05 Letter from Birmingham Jail

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13.05 Letter from Birmingham Jail

1.  Why did King and the SCLC choose to demonstrate in Birmingham? What reasons specific to Birmingham did he cite?

2.  King wrote that he had “no alternative” but to demonstrate. Explain why he reached that conclusion.

3.  Instead of demonstrations, what alternatives would his critics have recommended?

4.  According to King, why is non-violent direct action more successful than negotiation in some instances?

5.  King explained at length why waiting was no longer an option. Summarize briefly his response.

6.  In his explanation for reasons why the time for waiting has ended, King mentioned several personal examples to demonstrate the urgency of the situation. Which one example touched you the most?

7.  Why was King more disappointed in the white moderates than in the white extremists?

8.  Finally, what are your impressions of the Letter? Do you think King effectively communicated his point? Do you agree that by 1963, there were no other acceptable options other than non-violent direct action? Explain.