Question

Why did the Movement put such emphasis on the voter registration campaign? By securing blacks the vote, what were activists hoping to achieve? Why was it so hard for them to achieve their goals?

A) To establish a new political party
B) To gain economic advantages
C) To promote segregation
D) To empower African Americans politically

Answer 1

Activists emphasized voter registration during the Civil Rights Movement to politically empower African Americans and address racial and economic inequalities. Achieving this was difficult due to voter suppression tactics, but significant progress was made with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Step-by-step explanation:

The emphasis on the voter registration campaign during the Civil Rights Movement was due to the belief that by gaining the right to vote, African Americans would be able to participate in the political process and effect change. By securing blacks the vote, activists were hoping to achieve political power to ensure equal rights and address systemic issues contributing to racial discrimination and economic disparities.

It was hard for activists to achieve their goals because of pervasive voter suppression tactics, including literacy tests, poll taxes, intimidation, and violence. Furthermore, some Southern political parties restricted membership to whites only, further disenfranchising African Americans. However, the tireless efforts of civil rights activists eventually led to significant political gains and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, clearing hurdles to voter registration and voting for African Americans.

The correct answer to the original question is D) To empower African Americans politically.