Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment facts for kids

Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment is a 1963 documentary film. It was directed by Robert Drew. This film shows important events from June 1963. It focuses on the "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" crisis. This happened at the University of Alabama.

Filmmakers like D. A. Pennebaker and Richard Leacock had special access. They could film in key places. This included the Oval Office of President John F. Kennedy. They also filmed in the homes of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Governor George Wallace. The film first aired on American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on October 28, 1963. It was added to the National Film Registry in 2011. This means it is considered an important film for history.

What is Crisis About?

This film was mostly shot over two days. This was during the University of Alabama integration crisis. This happened on June 11, 1963. The film follows several key people. These include President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. It also features Governor George Wallace of Alabama. Other important figures are Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach. The students involved, Vivian Malone and James Hood, are also shown.

The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door

Governor Wallace had promised to stop two Black students from enrolling. He wanted to personally block them. The Kennedy administration had to decide how to react. They wanted to avoid violence. They also did not want to make Governor Wallace seem like a hero to people who supported segregation. Segregation was the unfair separation of people based on race.

The Plan to Integrate

The government came up with a plan. They would quickly take control of the Alabama National Guard. This would happen if the students were turned away. The National Guard is a military force that can be called upon by states or the federal government. If the federal government took control, the Guard would follow their orders.

This plan would allow Malone and Hood to enroll later the same day. This was instead of waiting until the next day. The government hoped this would show their actions were fair. It would also prevent Wallace from delaying integration for long. Integration means bringing people of different races together.

How the Plan Worked Out

The plan worked as expected. Governor Wallace first stood his ground. But he eventually stepped aside. He followed orders from General Henry V. Graham. After this, the students were able to enter the university building.

That night, President Kennedy gave an important speech. It was about civil rights. Civil rights are the basic rights that all citizens should have. This speech was shown on national television. Later, a third Black student, Dave McGlathery, enrolled. He did so without any problems.