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What were the goals and strategies of the civil rights movement in the 1950s – 1960s? what were some of the major differences between civil rights groups/activists and did priorities change over these two crucial decades?

User Jacs
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Final answer:

The civil rights movement aimed to end segregation and discrimination, which led to significant legislation. Diverse activism and strategies marked the era, with key shifts from peaceful protests in the 1960s to the rise of identity politics in the 1970s. This influenced subsequent movements for various groups, who adopted similar tactics and pushed for broader social justice goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goals and strategies of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s were focused on ending racial segregation and discrimination, securing legal recognition and protections for citizenship rights, and achieving racial equality. Tactics included nonviolent protests, sit-ins, freedom rides, marches, and voter registration drives. Key organizations driving these efforts were the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). These efforts led to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Despite shared goals, there were differences in approaches among civil rights activists and groups. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy of peaceful resistance contrasted with Malcolm X's more radical stance emphasizing the need for self-defense. As the movement progressed, the strategies shifted from integrationist to more nationalist approaches, such as the Black Power movement led by Stokely Carmichael. The legacy of the civil rights movement in the 1960s greatly influenced subsequent movements in the 1970s, encompassing diverse groups including Latinos/Latinas, Native Americans, women, and homosexuals. These groups adopted similar tactics and were inspired by the successes of the earlier movement. Later movements, such as the consumer movement, reflected growing awareness and activism among citizens as they sought social justice and challenged their role in society.

During the 1970s, the civil rights movement's focus shifted to more complex issues such as housing and job discrimination, educational inequality, and racism. Although legal barriers had been addressed to a significant extent, the harder task of changing societal attitudes and behaviors became more evident. Activists encountered diminished public support as the movement faced the daunting task of overcoming deeply ingrained prejudices and achieving economic equality.

User Chris Dellin
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