Civil Rights Movement Quiz

Who sponsored a conference to discuss strategy in April 1960?

• James Farmer

• Martin Luther King Jr.

• Fannie Lou Hamer

• Stokely Carmichael

Answer explanation

Martin Luther King Jr. sponsored a conference in April 1960 to discuss strategy for the civil rights movement, highlighting his leadership role during this pivotal time.

What does the term "bolster" mean?

• To weaken

• To support or strengthen

• To ignore

• To criticize

Answer explanation

The term 'bolster' means to support or strengthen. It is often used to describe actions that enhance or reinforce something, making 'to support or strengthen' the correct choice among the options.

What was the outcome of the Interstate Commerce Commission's action?

• Increased racial tensions

• Segregation on interstate travel was banned

• More freedom rides were canceled

• New laws were introduced for bus companies

Answer explanation

The Interstate Commerce Commission's action led to the banning of segregation on interstate travel, ensuring that all passengers, regardless of race, could travel together on buses and trains.

Which statement best identifies the central idea of the text?

• The sit-in movement was a brave attempt to end segregation in the South, but it was not as effective as the freedom riders.

• Despite the violence civil rights activists endured, the sit-in movement influenced desegregation and inspired other protests.

• Although Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists used nonviolent means of resistance, they were considered weak by white racists.

• Civil rights activists did not believe the sit-in movement would reverse segregation, but they wanted to draw nationwide attention to racial prejudice in the South.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that, despite facing violence, the sit-in movement played a crucial role in promoting desegregation and inspiring further protests, capturing the essence of its impact on the civil rights movement.

How does the description of how the protesters were treated contribute to the main idea of the text?

• It highlights the bravery and courage of the protesters.

• It details the protestors' motivation for getting violent.

• It describes why the whites physically attacked the protestors.

• It shows why the protests were such a controversial part of the Civil Rights movement.

Answer explanation

The description of how the protesters were treated emphasizes their bravery and courage, showcasing their willingness to stand up against oppression despite facing violence, which reinforces the main idea of the text.

Consider other forms of protesting, such as marching and rioting. In your opinion, are sit-ins an effective form of protest? Why or why not?

• Yes, because they are peaceful and draw attention.

• No, because they are too passive.

• Yes, because they involve violence.

• No, because they are illegal.

Answer explanation

Yes, sit-ins are effective because they are peaceful and draw attention to the cause. This non-violent approach can engage the public and media, fostering dialogue and awareness, which is crucial for social change.

In your opinion, is it more common to see violent or peaceful protests today?

• Violent protests are more common.

• Peaceful protests are more common.

• Both are equally common.

• Neither is common.

Answer explanation

Both violent and peaceful protests occur frequently today, often depending on the context and issues at hand. While some protests may escalate, many remain peaceful, making both forms of protest equally common.

What was required of civil rights activists in order to achieve their goals?

• Patience and determination.

• Violence and aggression.

• Silence and inaction.

• Fear and hesitation.

Answer explanation

Civil rights activists needed patience and determination to persist through challenges and setbacks, as their goals required sustained effort and resilience rather than violence, silence, or fear.

Which is NOT a form of Direct Action?

• Montgomery Bus Boycott

• Woolworth's Sit-In

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s I have a Dream Speech

• Freedom Rides

Answer explanation

The 'I Have a Dream' speech is a form of advocacy and inspiration, not direct action. In contrast, the other options involve active protests and demonstrations aimed at achieving social change.

What was the most important principle of the Civil Rights Movement?

• To remain Nonviolent

• To gain more attention for the cause

• To gain as many activists as possible

• To speak out against discrimination in all forms

Answer explanation

The most important principle of the Civil Rights Movement was to remain nonviolent, as advocated by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. This approach aimed to highlight injustice while fostering sympathy and support for the cause.