LFBJ Historical Context

Who wrote the 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Martin Luther King Jr.

• Abraham Lincoln

• George Washington

In what year was the 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' written?

• 1776

• 1865

• 1980

• 1963

What was the main purpose of the 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'?

• To declare independence

• To defend civil disobedience and peaceful protest

• To propose a new constitution

• To announce a new political party

What does MLK argue about unjust laws?

• They should be followed without question

• They are no laws at all

• They are necessary for order

• They should be ignored completely

According to MLK, what is required for freedom?

• Time will naturally bring freedom

• Freedom is given by the oppressor

• Freedom must be demanded by the oppressed

• Freedom is a gift from the government

What does MLK say about the concept of time?

• Time is irrelevant to social progress

• Time is always on the side of justice

• Time is neutral and can be used constructively or destructively

• Time will cure all ills

What does MLK compare the necessity of protest to?

• The Declaration of Independence's list of grievances

• The Bill of Rights

• The signing of the Constitution

• The Emancipation Proclamation

What does MLK say about waiting for justice?

• Waiting will lead to inevitable justice

• Waiting is the best course of action

• Waiting often means never

• Waiting is a sign of patience

What does MLK warn will happen if nonviolent movements are not successful?

• The status quo will be maintained

• The government will intervene

• More extreme ideologies will take hold

• There will be no change

What historical example does MLK use to illustrate the legality of unjust actions?

• The French Revolution

• Hitler's actions in Germany

• The Civil War

• The American Revolution