The Governor of Arkansas Who Used National Guard Troops to Fight Integration at Central High School in Little Rock

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 12 views

The Governor of Arkansas Who Used National Guard Troops to Fight Integration at Central High School in Little Rock

In the tumultuous history of the United States, there have been several instances where the issue of racial integration has been met with resistance and violence. One such instance was the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. The governor of Arkansas at that time, Orval Faubus, used National Guard troops to prevent nine African American students from attending the school, sparking a national crisis. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to the crisis, the role of Orval Faubus, and the significance of this event in American history.

In the 1950s, the United States was still grappling with the issue of racial segregation. The Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 had declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, but many states, including Arkansas, refused to comply. In Little Rock, the school board had decided to integrate Central High School, which was one of the city's most prestigious schools. However, the decision was met with fierce resistance from white parents and community leaders, who saw integration as a threat to their way of life.

In September 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, were scheduled to attend Central High School. However, on the first day of school, Governor Orval Faubus deployed the Arkansas National Guard to surround the school, preventing the students from entering. Faubus claimed that he was acting to maintain order and protect the students from potential violence, but in reality, he was trying to prevent integration from taking place.

Orval Faubus was a Democrat who had been elected governor of Arkansas in 1954. He was a strong supporter of segregation and saw integration as a threat to the state's way of life. Faubus was a master of manipulation, using his charisma and oratory skills to whip up public support for his segregationist policies. He was also a skilled politician, able to navigate the complexities of state politics to achieve his goals.

The deployment of the National Guard to prevent the Little Rock Nine from attending school sparked a national crisis. President Dwight Eisenhower, who had been a strong supporter of civil rights, was faced with a difficult decision. He could either allow Faubus to continue his segregationist policies or take action to enforce the Supreme Court's decision. Eisenhower ultimately decided to send federal troops to Little Rock to escort the Little Rock Nine into school.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock was a pivotal moment in American history. It marked a turning point in the civil rights movement, as it highlighted the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

In conclusion, the governor of Arkansas who used National Guard troops to fight integration at Central High School in Little Rock was Orval Faubus. Faubus's actions sparked a national crisis, but ultimately, they failed to prevent integration from taking place. The event marked a significant turning point in American history, highlighting the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans.

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who were scheduled to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. The students were:

Melba Pattillo Beals
Elizabeth Eckford
Ernest Green
Thelma Mothershed Wair
Gloria Ray Karlmark
Carlotta Walls LaNier
Terrence Roberts
Jefferson Thomas
Minnijean Brown Trickey

The students faced intense resistance and violence from white students and community members, but they persevered and eventually graduated from Central High School.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock has had a lasting impact on American history. It marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement, highlighting the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on Orval Faubus's career. Faubus's actions were widely criticized, and he was eventually impeached by the Arkansas General Assembly in 1966. Faubus's legacy is still debated today, with some seeing him as a hero who stood up for what he believed in, while others see him as a segregationist who used violence and intimidation to achieve his goals.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on the civil rights movement. It marked a turning point in the movement, as it highlighted the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on American society. It marked a turning point in the country's history, as it highlighted the need for greater equality and justice for all Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students who were scheduled to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. The students faced intense resistance and violence from white students and community members, but they persevered and eventually graduated from Central High School. The students' bravery and determination have made them heroes of the civil rights movement, and their legacy continues to inspire people today.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on education. It marked a turning point in the country's history, as it highlighted the need for greater equality and justice for all students. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on politics. It marked a turning point in the country's history, as it highlighted the need for greater equality and justice for all Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on society. It marked a turning point in the country's history, as it highlighted the need for greater equality and justice for all Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

Orval Faubus was a governor of Arkansas who used National Guard troops to fight integration at Central High School in Little Rock. Faubus's actions sparked a national crisis, but ultimately, they failed to prevent integration from taking place. Faubus's legacy is still debated today, with some seeing him as a hero who stood up for what he believed in, while others see him as a segregationist who used violence and intimidation to achieve his goals.

The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on politics. It marked a turning point in the country's
The Governor of Arkansas Who Used National Guard Troops to Fight Integration at Central High School in Little Rock: A Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the events leading up to the crisis at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. The governor of Arkansas at that time, Orval Faubus, used National Guard troops to prevent nine African American students from attending the school, sparking a national crisis. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the event.

A: Orval Faubus was the governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967. He was a Democrat who was known for his segregationist views and his willingness to use force to maintain racial segregation in the state.

A: Faubus deployed the National Guard to Central High School in an attempt to prevent nine African American students from attending the school. He claimed that he was acting to maintain order and protect the students from potential violence, but in reality, he was trying to prevent integration from taking place.

A: The federal government, led by President Dwight Eisenhower, was outraged by Faubus's actions. Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock to escort the Little Rock Nine into school and to maintain order in the city.

A: The crisis had a significant impact on the Little Rock Nine. The students faced intense resistance and violence from white students and community members, but they persevered and eventually graduated from Central High School. The students' bravery and determination have made them heroes of the civil rights movement.

A: The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on the civil rights movement. It marked a turning point in the movement, as it highlighted the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

A: The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock has had a lasting impact on American history. It marked a significant turning point in the civil rights movement, highlighting the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong.

A: We can learn several lessons from the crisis at Central High School in Little Rock. First, we can see the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Second, we can see the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of all citizens. Finally, we can see the impact that one event can have on the course of history.

A: The crisis had a significant impact on the students who attended Central High School. Many of the students were subjected to intense resistance and violence from white students and community members. However, the students also received support from their families, their teachers, and the federal government. The students' bravery and determination have made them heroes of the civil rights movement.

A: The crisis had a significant impact on the community of Little Rock. The event highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions that existed in the city and the need for greater understanding and cooperation between different racial and ethnic groups. The event also marked a turning point in the city's history, as it led to a greater awareness of the importance of civil rights and the need for greater equality and justice for all citizens.

A: The Little Rock Nine are a group of nine African American students who were scheduled to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. The students faced intense resistance and violence from white students and community members, but they persevered and eventually graduated from Central High School. The students' bravery and determination have made them heroes of the civil rights movement, and their legacy continues to inspire people today.

A: We can learn several lessons from the Little Rock Nine. First, we can see the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Second, we can see the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of all citizens. Finally, we can see the impact that one event can have on the course of history.

A: The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock had a significant impact on the country as a whole. The event highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions that existed in the country and the need for greater understanding and cooperation between different racial and ethnic groups. The event also marked a turning point in the country's history, as it led to a greater awareness of the importance of civil rights and the need for greater equality and justice for all citizens.

A: The crisis at Central High School in Little Rock remains significant today. The event marked a turning point in the civil rights movement, highlighting the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and protect the rights of African Americans. The event also marked a shift in public opinion, as more and more Americans began to see segregation as morally wrong. Today, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.