7. The Montgomery Bus Boycott (Consequence- The move for Civil Rights)

What can be considered an important basis for newfound confidence for black Americans to make political and social change?

The leadership of black people- Jo Ann Robinson, Edgar Nixon and MLK

What shows bus boycotts weren’t new?

The Montgomery people used the same tactics as in Baton Rouge in 1953

Why was the boycott in Montgomery so successful?

It was incredibly well organised and demonstrated the power of community using non-violent action

Who was Joseph Lowery and what did he say concerning the impact of the boycott?

Vice President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (co-founder with MLK)

“Ushered in an era of self-determination”

What was the boycott as a result of the solidarity of of the black community? What did this solidarity achieved?

A mass protest, which made it easier to withstand backlash from white supremisist groups

How did the boycott demonstrate the economic power of the black community?

It showed that they had economic power, costing local businesses $1 million dollars. Local white business leaders also began to protest against segregation. It also lost the bus company $3000 dollars in revenue per day, amounting to a total of 1.14 million dollars in the 381 days

What did it display about white southerners?

Many were bigots and racists but also a significant number were sympathetic such as Rev. Robert Graetz, minister of a black Lutheran church

In how many other cities did boycotts take place?

20

What further action was taken to achieve civil rights through non-violent means?

Sit-ins (Woolsworths), Freedom Riders on Greyhound buses

What bills were passed in consequent years that showed the federal impact of such a protest?

The Civil Rights Act 1964

The Voting Rights Act 1965