Question

question 3 of 10

which statement best describes the effect of boycotts and protests?

a. boycotts and protests werent effective tools because very few people participated or paid attention.
b. boycotts and protests were effective tools because they forced political leaders to make new laws to address civil rights.
c. boycotts and protests were effective tools because they captured the attention of political leaders and the national news.
d. boycotts and protests werent effective tools because most protestors were arrested for participating.

Explanation:

Analyze the effectiveness of civil rights tactics

The question asks for the statement that best describes the effect of boycotts and protests, particularly in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. Boycotts (like the Montgomery Bus Boycott) and protests (such as the Birmingham Campaign and the March on Washington) were highly organized, mass-participation events. This makes options A and D historically inaccurate, as participation was widespread and arrests, while common, did not stop the momentum of the movement.

Evaluate the direct outcomes of protests

While protests ultimately contributed to legislative changes, their immediate and most direct effect was to draw national media attention and put pressure on federal and local politicians. Option B states they "forced political leaders to make new laws," which oversimplifies the complex legislative process and suggests an immediate, automatic cause-and-effect. Option C is more accurate and comprehensive: these actions captured the attention of political leaders and dominated national news, which in turn shifted public opinion and created the political will necessary for later legislative victories like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Answer:

• (A) Boycotts and protests weren't effective tools because very few people participated or paid attention.
• (B) Boycotts and protests were effective tools because they forced political leaders to make new laws to address civil rights.
• (C) Boycotts and protests were effective tools because they captured the attention of political leaders and the national news. (Correct answer)
• (D) Boycotts and protests weren't effective tools because most protestors were arrested for participating.