Final answer:
The goals of non-violent direct action, embraced by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., were to achieve justice and reconciliation, and to establish a democratic society that resolves conflicts through understanding rather than force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Goals of Non-Violent Direct Action
The two primary goals of non-violent direct action, as used in the Civil Rights Movement, were to achieve justice and reconciliation rather than merely securing victory. This approach embodies the teachings and philosophies of influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi. The efficacy of non-violent tactics, such as protests, sit-ins, marches, petitions, and boycotts, is evidenced by the successes in advancing civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s.
King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and other organizations leveraged non-violent civil disobedience to confront systemic injustices. These actions focused on democratic processes and principled stands against unjust laws, inspired by historical movements that achieved significant societal changes without resorting to violence.
Ultimately, the goal was to create an inclusive society where decisions are made democratically, rather than through force or violence. This ethos highlights the belief that true progress is rooted in winning hearts and minds, fostering understanding, and encouraging peaceful coexistence.