Was the non-violent civil rights movement of the 60's successful?

Answer 1

Non-violent protest led to very rapid change in the USA including voting, educational, economic and social rights for blacks. The main reason for the success was the principal of non-violence. Because of non-violent protest, whites who benefited from Segregation but who were not overt racists saw the truth that their non-action was wrong. Here are excerpts from MLK's sermon, Love thy Nieghbor: Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, "Love your enemies." It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. That's why Jesus says, "Love your enemies." Because if you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem and to transform your enemies. But if you love your enemies, you will discover that at the very root of love is the power of redemption. You just keep loving people and keep loving them, even though they're mistreating you. Here's the person who is a neighbor, and this person is doing something wrong to you and all of that. Just keep being friendly to that person. Keep loving them. Don't do anything to embarrass them. Just keep loving them, and they can't stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with bitterness because they're mad because you love them like that. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they'll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That's love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There's something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies. So this morning, as I look into your eyes, and into the eyes of all of my brothers in Alabama and all over America and over the world, I say to you, "I love you. I would rather die than hate you." And I'm foolish enough to believe that through the power of this love somewhere, men of the most recalcitrant bent will be transformed. Love Your Enemies, Delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama, on 17 November 1957. Martin Luther King, Jr. Estate Collection (in private hands)

Answer 2

It was a huge success. If it wasn't a success America would be segregated

Perhaps no social movements changed American racial politics and elevated the national commitment to democracy more than the civil rights movement.

Answer 3

The nonviolent Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a success. It helped show the government that black people should be treated equally. It led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.