Mississippi Burning and the Freedom Summer of 1964

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores one of the darkest chapters of the American Civil Rights movement: the Freedom Summer of 1964 and the murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner.

Drawing on Jonathan Darman's Landslide: LBJ and Ronald Reagan at the Dawn of a New America, we delve into the terrifying reality of Mississippi in the mid-60s. Why did over a thousand idealistic students head south to register Black voters? And how did the local white establishment—from the police to the Klan—respond with a campaign of terror designed to maintain the racial hierarchy?

We examine the chilling details of the abduction and execution of the three civil rights workers, the complicity of local law enforcement, and the political calculations of President Lyndon B. Johnson as he navigated the passage of the Civil Rights Act. From the "psychological wage" of whiteness to the long shadow of Jim Crow violence, this episode uncovers the brutal resistance to democracy in the Deep South.

Plus: Don't miss our upcoming Russian Revolution Masterclass on Sunday, January 25th. Book your spot now to master exam technique and essay structure!

Key Topics:

• Freedom Summer: The campaign to register Black voters in Mississippi.
• The Murders: The abduction and killing of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner by the Klan and police.
• LBJ's Dilemma: How the president balanced civil rights legislation with the fear of a "second Reconstruction."
• The White Backlash: Understanding the violent defense of racial hierarchy in the South.

Books Mentioned:

• Landslide: LBJ and Ronald Reagan at the Dawn of a New America by Jonathan Darman
• Set the Night on Fire by Mike Davis and Jon Wiener
• Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois

Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.

▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive Content

Become a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory

▸ Join the Community & Continue the Conversation

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcast

Substack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com

▸ Read Articles & Go Deeper

Website: explaininghistory.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.