Main Idea: The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a significant civil rights protest that challenged racial segregation on public transportation.

It played a crucial role in launching the modern Civil Rights Movement and establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a prominent national leader.

Text Evidence:

• Rosa Parks’ Arrest: The boycott was sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks, a Black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery bus. This incident highlighted the pervasive racial discrimination faced by African Americans in the South.

Nonviolent Resistance: The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA), led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., organized the boycott, emphasizing nonviolent resistance as a means to achieve their goals. This approach gained widespread attention and support from both within and outside the Black community.

Economic Impact: The boycott had a significant economic impact on Montgomery, as Black residents, who made up the majority of bus riders, refused to use the segregated system. This led to a decline in bus company revenue and forced city officials to reconsider their discriminatory policies.

Legal Challenge: The MIA filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of segregation on public buses. The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling in favor of the plaintiffs declared segregation on buses unconstitutional, marking a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement.

Conclusion: The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of nonviolent protest and the importance of challenging systemic racism. It served as a catalyst for further civil rights activism and helped to pave the way for racial equality in the United States