Montgomery Bus Boycott

In December 1955, Rosa Parks caught the bus in Montgomery. She refused to give up her seat for a white man and was arrested. She was an NAACP activist and was involved int eh desire to challenge Montgomery's laws of segregation on buses.

As a result, a day's boycott was organised in response from the black community. Local churches offered support and financial aid. Cars were shared by those who owned them.

However, white backlash to this rose The White Citizen's Council saw its member increase from 6,000 to 12,000 during February and March 1956.

Harassment of black activists was ordered. Martin Luther King's house was firebombed and has was arrested for driving at 30mph in a 25mph zone.

Mass media coverage resulted in Northern donations to the MIA.

After litigation (legal action) partly funded by the NAACP, the Supreme Court referred back to Brown vs Topeka and said that the segregation of buses was unconstitutional.

Effects

The boycott was significant because not only was it well organised but it showed the power of the black community when using non-violent action. The bus companies lost $1 million.

Churches were also involved as were many white businessmen

It inspired several similar boycotts in 20 Southern cities.

Despite white backlash from the KKK, it boosted black morale.

It led to Martin Luther King establishing the SCLC and becoming a pioneer for black rights.

However, it aroused jealousy from other black leaders and organisations