Final answer:
On March 7, 1965, the Edmund Pettus Bridge march, led by John Lewis, resulted in 'Bloody Sunday,' where protestors were attacked by state troopers. This event became a significant moment in civil rights history, highlighting the struggle for voting rights and prompting national support for legislative change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Events of the Edmund Pettus Bridge March
When people marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965, they were met with violent resistance. More than 600 demonstrators, led by John Lewis, intended to march from Selma to Montgomery to advocate for voting rights in Alabama. As they crossed the bridge, they encountered brutal attacks by Alabama State Troopers, an event which became known as Bloody Sunday. The march was part of a larger series of civil rights protests aiming to highlight racial injustices and was a pivotal moment that galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Impact of Bloody Sunday
The images of peaceful protestors being violently beaten were broadcasted nationwide, leading to a surge in support for the civil rights movement among various communities, including northern whites. Despite the initial setback, the march resumed on March 21 under federal protection, eventually reaching Montgomery on March 25. The excessive force used by the police on Bloody Sunday was a catalyst for change, creating widespread outrage and prompting national action towards ensuring voting rights for African Americans.