The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Crash Course Black American History

The Montgomery Bus Boycott, lasting from December 5, 1955, to December 20, 1956, was a pivotal event in the U.S. civil rights movement. Sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat, the boycott was organized by the Women's Political Council and led by figures like Jo Ann Robinson and Martin Luther King Jr. It highlighted the pervasive segregation in public transportation and the power of nonviolent resistance. Despite facing violence and intimidation, the boycott succeeded in desegregating Montgomery buses and set a precedent for future civil rights activism.

What was the significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the context of U.S. history?

• It was the first large-scale demonstration against segregation.

• It was the first time buses were used in a protest.

• It marked the end of segregation in all public spaces.

• It was the first protest led by Martin Luther King Jr.

What role did Rosa Parks play in the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

• She organized the entire boycott.

• Her arrest sparked the boycott.

• She was the first Black bus driver in Montgomery.

• She was the first person to refuse to give up her seat.

What was the Women's Political Council's contribution to the boycott?

• They organized the first protest march.

• They collected complaints and warned the mayor.

• They provided legal defense for arrested protesters.

• They funded the entire boycott.

Why was Rosa Parks chosen as the face of the boycott?

• She was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr.

• She was the only person willing to take on the role.

• She was the first to be arrested for not giving up her seat.

• She had a background and history of activism that fit the movement's image.

How did the community support the extended boycott?

• By providing free bus rides.

• By organizing a carpool system.

• By boycotting all public services.

• By moving out of Montgomery.

Who was elected as the public face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

• Jo Ann Robinson

• Martin Luther King Jr.

• Rosa Parks

• E.D. Nixon

What was the role of the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA)?

• To provide legal defense for protesters.

• To negotiate with bus companies.

• To organize and maintain the boycott.

• To fund the boycott.

What was the outcome of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

• The boycott ended without any changes.

• The boycott led to the end of all segregation laws.

• Segregation on buses was declared unconstitutional.

• The buses remained segregated.

What challenges did boycotters face during the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

• They were supported by the local government.

• They faced violence and intimidation.

• They received financial aid from the city.

• They were allowed to use alternative transportation freely.

What precedent did the Montgomery Bus Boycott set for future civil rights actions?

• It discouraged future protests due to the violence faced.

• It demonstrated the power of nonviolent civil disobedience.

• It showed that violent protests were more effective.

• It proved that boycotts were ineffective.