Final answer:
Martin Luther King, Jr. emphasized nonviolent civil disobedience as the philosophy for the Civil Rights Movement, drawing inspiration from Gandhian principles. Peaceful boycotts, sit-ins, and marches were central strategies in combating racial discrimination, leading to legal reforms such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Step-by-step explanation:
Martin Luther King, Jr's philosophy of protest stressed nonviolent civil disobedience. He became a monumental figure in history for leading the Civil Rights Movement without the use of violence. King's philosophy was greatly influenced by the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, and A. Philip Randolph. His strategic nonviolent approach was implemented in various forms of peaceful protest, such as boycotts, sit-ins, and marches which vividly illustrated the struggle for civil rights and led to significant changes, like the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
One of the earliest demonstrations of this approach was during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks. The boycott resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that racially segregated seating on buses was unconstitutional. Across the southern United States, peaceful protesters rallied, demonstrating against unfair treatment and discrimination. King's influence extended far beyond his lifetime, empowering and inspiring subsequent generations of Civil Rights activists.
In his famous 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail', King outlined the moral foundation for his nonviolent campaign, stressing the importance of standing up against unjust laws through peaceful means. Through civil disobedience, King and his followers were able to bring attention to the injustices faced by African Americans and inspire legislative change without resorting to violence.