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Explain why the Montgomery Bus Boycott succeeded in achieving its aims - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain why the Montgomery Bus Boycott succeeded in achieving its aims. You may use the following in your answer: - Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) - Supr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why the Montgomery Bus Boycott succeeded in achieving its aims - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA)
Answer
The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) was instrumental in organizing the boycott. It brought together community leaders and mobilized the African American population to participate in the boycott extensively. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., the MIA demonstrated effective leadership and communication, which helped to maintain momentum over the 381 days of the boycott. The association organized carpools and other means of transport to ensure that participants could avoid using the buses.
Step 2
Supreme Court
Answer
The legal outcome from the boycott was significantly impacted by a Supreme Court ruling declaring segregation on public buses unconstitutional. This decision came in November 1956, reflecting the challenges brought forth by the boycott's activists. The ruling validated the cause of the boycott, demonstrating that systematic segregation was not only morally wrong but also legally unacceptable.
Step 3
Other Factors
Answer
In addition to the contributions of the MIA and the Supreme Court's ruling, several other factors played a role in the achievement of the boycott's aims. Grassroots support from the community, the media attention on the boycott, and the economic impact on the bus company due to the loss of fare from African American riders pressured the city to consider change. Furthermore, the boycott's longevity helped to galvanize national attention, making it a symbol of the larger civil rights movement.