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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) - Supre... 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) played a crucial role in the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Formed shortly after the arrest of Rosa Parks, the MIA was established to coordinate and lead the boycott.
Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the MIA organized mass meetings to sustain momentum and provide a sense of community among the participants. This organization helped maintain a disciplined and non-violent approach to the boycott, which attracted widespread support and sympathy from the African American community and beyond. Additionally, the MIA effectively mobilized resources and created strategic communication channels, ensuring that all participants were united in their cause.
Step 2
Supreme Court
Answer
The legal backing provided by the Supreme Court significantly contributed to the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In 1956, the Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional, which validated the boycott's aims and provided a legal precedent for future civil rights actions.
This ruling not only empowered the boycotters but also highlighted the systemic inequality that African Americans faced. The Court’s decision galvanized further actions and set a tone for subsequent civil rights movements, demonstrating the importance of legal challenges in achieving social justice.
Step 3
Additional points
Answer
Beyond the MIA and the Supreme Court's involvement, the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott can be attributed to the active participation of the African American community, who displayed incredible resilience and solidarity over 381 days. The economic impact of the boycott placed significant financial pressure on the bus company, forcing them to reconsider their discriminatory policies.
Moreover, the national media coverage brought visibility to the struggle for civil rights, garnering support from various quarters, including religious leaders, activists, and organizations. This widespread attention helped to amplify the message of the boycott and the broader fight against segregation.