Why was the Bus Boycott an important movement?

Analysis

The Montgomery bus boycott was important because it was one of the first organized and large movements of African-Americans in 20^th century America. It happened out of certain conditions that existed in Montgomery, Alabama. It seems that Montgomery was the essential place for this to happen since there was such overt racism throughout the city limits. One could not deny the segregation that existed in the city when one was directly looking at a sign that said "coloreds only". Whereas, if this movement had taken place in the North, where segregation and racism was more concealed, it would have been harder for the boycotters to prove their point. Montgomery was also important because it was the home to thousands of blacks, home of the old institution of slavery, and contained some of the most vocal pro-white persons. By the movement being centered there, it was a major slap in the face to these racists.

The beauty of the Montgomery bus boycott is that it was based on non-violent theology. The non-violent principle was an important political move because it attracted many liberal whites and probably gave them a more justified argument. The non-violent protest attracted many national and international leaders because it was a bold and somewhat revolutionary means to achieve political change.

The movement also helped unite black Americans together on a grand scale socio-political way that had been unprecedented until then. Black people were also given the chance to once again have hope and faith in justice. Since emancipation many blacks felt like they had been wronged or mistreated and were never going to be able to fit into society. With the advent of Jim Crow laws, many thought that they were no better of than in slave days. Tired and weary of fighting, many people just gave up. But, when the boycott started people were motivated again. They were sparked by the message of God, love, and justice and were inspired to fight against the oppression that they had accepted for so long. Gone were the days of "well that's just the way it is", instead young and old were ready for a change.

The leaders inspired by the Christian doctrine of love were church ministers and many other prominent figures in Montgomery. This contributed to the success of the movement because it was their talent, and skill that helped the boycott become successful. The movement inspired all members of the community to participate in it and was not led by only a few leaders. The outcome of the boycott was determined by the strength of the community as a whole. This aspect made the boycott unique and stronger than many movements.

The movement also gained momentum and respect worldwide because it was based on a non-violent theology. Had this movement used other means to achieve their goals it might not have been as effective. In this movement several white southerners had to give credit to the blacks of Montgomery. Never had they thought that blacks could organize and mobilize so efficiently, but the fact that they did this through the use of non-violence was even more astonishing. It even turned out that when they ran out of legal means of trying to outwit blacks they turned to violence--the very same violence that they swore would occur if the buses were integrated.

The boycott demonstrated an important change in African Americans. It was the beginning of a new era and activism in the black community. Without the boycott leaders such as Martin Luther King jr. and Ralph Abernathy would never have emerged as national heroes. Moreover, it would not have given the millions of African Americans the strength and the faith to mobilize into a cohesive and strong united movement. Seeing blacks stand up to oppression and win their battle with non-violence gave many blacks the hope and the faith that they could do the same.

The movement inspired millions of others to believe that they could overcome their battles with peace and love methodology. It gave them the hope that justice could prevail even if it seems like the system is against them. Without this movement there would probably be no civil rights movement or black activism movement that took place in the 1960's and 1970's. Blacks needed a force that would help them strengthen, mobilize, organize, and learn to love and the Montgomery bus boycott proved to be a catalyst for all of those things.

What was the Montgomery bus boycott

Montgomery, Alabama circa 1955

Theology of the movement

Read the law that called for segregation on the buses

Who was involved?

White reaction and oppositional forces

Why was the boycott an important movement

Annotated bibliography

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