Montgomery Bus Boycott 1955-1956: Economic Pressure — Reading Comprehension

The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956 was a major turning point in the American civil rights movement. For over a year, African American citizens in Montgomery, Alabama refused to ride city buses, protesting the city’s laws enforcing racial segregation. The boycott began after Rosa Parks, a black seamstress, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. This act of resistance inspired local leaders and citizens to organize a coordinated campaign against bus segregation, using economic pressure as a key strategy.

The boycott was not simply about bus seats. It was about dignity, justice, and the power of a community to demand change. Black residents made up the majority of bus riders, and their refusal to ride created an immediate financial crisis for the city’s bus company. Organizers, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Improvement Association, encouraged people to walk, carpool, or find other means of transportation. This collective action forced the city and business leaders to confront the economic consequences of segregation. As Dr. King stated, “We must use the weapon of love. We must have compassion and understanding for those who hate us.” King’s words highlighted the philosophy of nonviolent protest that guided the movement.

Multiple perspectives shaped the unfolding events. African American citizens saw the boycott as a way to challenge unjust laws and gain equality. Many white officials and business owners, however, viewed it as a threat to the city’s social order and economy. Some white residents even responded with intimidation or violence. Meanwhile, bus company officials struggled to maintain profits, as empty buses ran through Montgomery’s streets. The conflict created tension, but also revealed the power of organized, peaceful protest to disrupt systems of injustice.

The economic effects of the boycott were significant. The city lost thousands of dollars each week as buses remained empty. Local businesses, which depended on black customers, also suffered. This financial strain pressured city leaders to reconsider their position. Yet, many officials refused to change, hoping the boycott would collapse over time. Instead, the determination of the black community only grew stronger. Their unity and resolve demonstrated how targeted economic action could achieve social and political change.

Legal challenges also played a crucial role. Civil rights lawyers filed lawsuits arguing that bus segregation violated the U.S. Constitution. In November 1956, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. This landmark decision ended the boycott and marked a victory for civil rights advocates. The outcome inspired similar protests across the South, showing the effectiveness of combining legal action with community organizing and economic strategies.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott also exposed contradictions in American society. While the nation prided itself on democracy and freedom, millions of citizens faced daily discrimination. The boycott forced Americans to confront these contradictions and reconsider the meaning of equality. For the black community, the struggle was not only about transportation but about being recognized as full citizens.

In conclusion, the Montgomery Bus Boycott showed how ordinary people, through unity and determination, could challenge powerful institutions. The use of economic pressure, legal action, and nonviolent protest became a model for later civil rights campaigns. The event’s significance lies not just in changing bus laws, but in proving that collective action can break down systems of injustice.

Interesting Fact: During the boycott, black citizens organized one of the largest carpool systems in history, using over 300 cars to help people get to work and school each day.

Who was arrested to spark the boycott?

When did the Montgomery Bus Boycott begin?

What city did the boycott take place in?

How did the boycott use economic pressure?

What was the result of the Supreme Court decision?

Why did white officials resist change?

The boycott lasted more than a year. True or false?

What does 'segregation' mean?