What was the main strategy of civil rights activists during the 1960s?

The main strategy of civil rights activists during the 1960s was centered around nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. This approach was largely inspired by the teachings of figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., who believed that peaceful demonstrations, sit-ins, marches, and other forms of nonviolent resistance could effectively challenge systemic racial discrimination and segregation.

Activists organized events such as the March on Washington in 1963, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, promoting the ideals of equality and justice without resorting to violence. They engaged in sit-ins at segregated restaurants and used tactics like boycotts to disrupt the economic systems that supported racial injustice. This commitment to nonviolence was pivotal in drawing attention to the civil rights movement and gaining public support, which in turn pressured politicians and policymakers to enact change.

While political lobbying, legal challenges, and other forms of resistance were also employed by civil rights activists, the overarching theme of the movement during this time was its steadfast commitment to nonviolent action as a means to confront and dismantle institutional racism.