Question

Walter Cronkhite, a famous newscaster at the time, said the moment the bomb went off, white America understood the nature of hate. Why does he feel that it is a turning point in the civil rights movement?

Answer 1

Walter Cronkite highlighted the nature of hate in America when a bomb went off in a Birmingham church, marking a turning point in the civil rights movement. The media's exposure of racial violence, with Cronkite as a key figure, influenced public opinion and spurred legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Step-by-step explanation:

Walter Cronkite's assertion that white America understood the nature of hate after a bomb exploded in a Birmingham church, killing four little girls, signifies a critical turning point in the civil rights movement. This tragic event shocked the nation and showcased the violent opposition to racial equality, revealing the entrenched issues of racism to a broader audience. The media's role in exposing these atrocities, especially through trusted newscasters like Cronkite, was pivotal in shaping public opinion and contributed to legislative successes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cronkite's coverage of incidents of racial violence and other pivotal events like the Tet Offensive played a significant role in swaying public opinion and influencing the political landscape, including affecting President Johnson's decision not to seek reelection.