MTTC 103 Elementary Practice

How did Martin Luther King and other activists achieve civil rights for black Americans?

1. Through violent uprisings.

2. Using nonviolence.

3. With the help of the Soviet Union.

4. By lobbying Congress only.

The correct answer is: Using nonviolence.

The achievement of civil rights for Black Americans is best understood through the practice of nonviolence. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr. believed deeply in the philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which aimed to confront injustice without violence. This approach was rooted in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and emphasized peaceful protests, marches, and sit-ins to draw attention to racial inequality and advocate for justice. Nonviolent strategies allowed demonstrators to highlight the moral issues surrounding segregation and discrimination, enabling them to rally public support and gain national attention. Events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington exemplified this method and contributed significantly to the eventual passage of landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Through nonviolence, activists not only fought for their rights but also aimed to win over the hearts and minds of many Americans, fostering a greater understanding and empathy towards their struggle. The other approaches mentioned, such as violent uprisings or solely relying on congressional lobbying, did not encapsulate the primary strategy employed by King and other civil rights leaders, which was fundamentally rooted in nonviolence. The idea of receiving assistance from the Soviet Union also diverges from the primary narrative of domestic grassroots