What was the main strategy used by Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement?

Martin Luther King Jr.'s predominant strategy in the Civil Rights Movement was nonviolent protest. This approach was rooted in the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing that nonviolence was a powerful method for enacting social change. King believed that peaceful demonstrations could awaken the moral consciousness of the nation and encourage reform without resorting to violence, which could lead to further division and conflict.

Nonviolent protests often took the form of marches, sit-ins, and boycotts, with the aim of highlighting injustice and advocating for civil rights in a way that attracted sympathy and support from the broader public and media. By maintaining a commitment to nonviolence, King was able to draw attention to the plight of African Americans and galvanize support across diverse groups, including many who were not directly affected by racial discrimination.

This commitment not only distinguished the Civil Rights Movement but also helped to achieve significant legislative change, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Thus, the strategy of nonviolent protest was essential for advancing the goals of the movement and fostering a spirit of unity and resilience among activists.