7. Massive Resistance in Virginia (Late 1950s)
In the late 1950s, Virginia’s “Massive Resistance” campaign aimed to thwart federal desegregation by closing public schools and passing new state laws. This prolonged standoff with the federal government made Virginia a symbol of defiance during the Civil Rights era and shaped the region’s educational policies for years. For a comprehensive analysis, refer to the Encyclopedia Virginia’s entry on Massive Resistance (encyclopediavirginia.org).
