President John F. Kennedy responded to the riots at Ole Miss by invoking federal law and deploying military forces to quell the unrest, once he was fully informed of the violent situation.
Kennedy's Response to the Ole Miss Riots
The events surrounding the integration of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in September 1962, particularly the registration of James Meredith, led to significant civil disturbances. President Kennedy's actions were decisive once the gravity of the situation became clear.
Initial Awareness and Address
Initially, President Kennedy was unaware of the full scale of the riot unfolding at Ole Miss. Prior to being informed about the violent clashes, he delivered an Oval Office address. In this address, he acknowledged and saluted Mississippi's cooperation in the process of registering James Meredith as the first African American student at the university. This speech highlighted his initial hope for a peaceful resolution and adherence to federal court orders.
Decisive Federal Intervention
However, once President Kennedy was fully informed of the escalating violence and the ongoing riot, his response shifted to direct federal intervention. His key actions included:
- Invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807: This historic act granted the President the authority to deploy U.S. military troops to suppress a domestic insurrection, rebellion, or other unlawful confederation against the authority of the federal government.
- Deployment of U.S. Army Units: To bring the riot under control, President Kennedy ordered the deployment of U.S. Army units. These forces were placed under the command of Brigadier General Charles Billingslea. Their primary mission was to quell the disturbances and enforce the peace, ensuring Meredith's safety and successful enrollment.
This federal intervention was a crucial step in upholding civil rights and federal authority in the face of widespread resistance.
Summary of Kennedy's Actions
To summarize President Kennedy's response, the table below outlines his actions before and after being informed of the riot:
| Phase of Event | President Kennedy's Action | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Riot Knowledge | Oval Office Address | Saluted Mississippi's cooperation in registering James Meredith, unaware of the impending violence. |
| Post-Riot Knowledge | Invoked the Insurrection Act of 1807 | Authorized the use of federal military forces to suppress the domestic unrest. |
| Deployed U.S. Army Units | Sent troops under Brigadier General Charles Billingslea to bring the riot under control and restore order. |
For more detailed information on the Ole Miss riot of 1962, you can refer to historical accounts and analyses provided by various sources, such as Wikipedia's entry on the event.
