1. Describe the lunch counter sit-ins that were a key part of the American civil rights movement. Who provided the leadership? Do you see any of the leaders fitting the Weberian model of charismatic leadership?
2. What were the major factors leading to victory for the movement in Nashville?
3. What was the idea behind the Freedom Bus Rides? What kind of reception did the integrated bus riders get as they rode through the deep South?
4. What was the role of the federal government in relation to the Freedom Bus Rides?
1. Why do you suppose the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and l960s was successful in bringing an end to the system of laws supporting separate and unequal treatment of African-Americans in public accomodations, voting, jobs, schools, and housing? Hint: What had changed compared to earlier periods in which similar movements had largely failed?
2. Why did black college students play a particularly crucial role in this movement? What gave these students the strength to stand up to beatings, jailings, and possible loss of life?
3. How would you define a social movement? How does it differ from other efforts to bring about social change?
4. What do you think might be key factors determing the degree of success of a social movement?