what caused the civil rights movement to gain momentum
1. Brown v. Board of Education: The 1954 Supreme Court ruling that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional was a major catalyst for the civil rights movement. This decision galvanized activists and inspired them to demand equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.
2. Montgomery Bus Boycott: The successful boycott of segregated buses in Montgomery, Alabama, led by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance and grassroots organizing. This event helped to mobilize and unite African Americans across the country in their fight for civil rights.
3. Rise of the Media: The civil rights movement was extensively covered by the media, both nationally and internationally. Television and newspapers brought images of peaceful protesters being attacked by police and white supremacists into homes across America, stirring public outrage and support for the movement.
4. Student Activism: The involvement of young people, particularly college students, in the civil rights movement helped to energize and diversify the movement. Students participated in sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives, challenging the status quo and pushing for change.
5. Southern Resistance: The violent reaction of segregationists and white supremacists to the civil rights movement, such as the bombing of churches and attacks on civil rights activists, forced the federal government to intervene and protect the rights of African Americans. This resistance exposed the brutality of racism and discrimination in the South, garnering sympathy and support for the civil rights movement.
Overall, these factors and events combined to create a powerful momentum for the civil rights movement, leading to significant legal and social changes that have continued to shape American society.