The sit-ins were the only form of non-violent protest that was successfully used by civil rights activists in the 1960s to bring an end to segregation and discrimination in the United States of America - NSC History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1

Sit-ins, initiated by students in Greensboro, North Carolina, were critical in challenging segregation in public spaces. Students sat at whites-only counters, and as their numbers grew, the movement spread throughout the South. The sit-ins successfully raised awareness and put pressure on local and national leaders to consider civil rights legislation.

The Freedom Riders, beginning in 1961, also played a significant role in the civil rights movement. This group, consisting of both African Americans and Whites, rode interstate buses to challenge segregation in bus terminals. Their actions were met with violence, but they garnered national attention and led to the enforcement of desegregation orders.

The Birmingham Campaign involved mass demonstrations and direct action to confront racial segregation in one of the most segregated cities in America. The response included violent attacks on protesters, which further highlighted the urgency for change and forced President Kennedy to address the issue directly.

In conclusion, while sit-ins were a significant and effective form of non-violent protest, they were part of a broader array of strategies employed by civil rights activists, including the Freedom Riders and the Birmingham Campaign. Together, these actions collectively contributed to advancing civil rights and ending segregation in the USA.