Poor People's Campaign, 1968

What was the Poor People's Campaign?

The Poor People's Campaign was a march on Washington to highlight the economic injustice experienced by poor people in America.

Who organized the Poor People's Campaign?

Martin Luther King and the SCLC organised the Poor People's Campaign.

When did the Poor People's Campaign take place?

The Poor People's Campaign was set up in December 1967 and took place between 12th May and 24th June, 1968.

What happened during the Poor People's Campaign?

There were 4 main events during the Poor People's Campaign:

• ❖ Protesters arrived in Washington on 12th May, 1968.
• ❖ They built 'Resurrection City' - a camp made of tents and temporary buildings - on the Mall.
• ❖ The weather was terrible.
• ❖ The camp was closed by the National Guard.

What were the results of the Poor People's Campaign?

There were 3 main results of the Poor People's Campaign:

• ❖ Following Martin Luther King's assassination the groups involved could not agree on what tactics to use.
• ❖ Many supporters left Washington before the march began.
• ❖ Poor organisation meant it failed and damaged the image of the civil rights movement.