Direct outcomes:
Although the Freedom Riders were attacked and threatened with violence from segregationist in the South. At the end of the Rides the Riders had successfully convinced the Federal Government to enforce federal laws for the integration of interstate travel. The violence and arrests of the Freedom Riders garnered national and international attention, this drew hundreds of new members to join the Freedom Riders to support the cause. The rides continued over the next few months, this pressured the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue regulations prohibiting segregation in interstate transit terminals. The campaign began with 13 individuals and ended with numerous rides involving a total of 436 riders. After the federal laws were enforced, black passengers could sit anywhere they wanted on buses, trains, and terminal lunch counters. "White" and "colored" signs were removed from drinking fountains and toilets. In 1964, the U.S. Civil Rights Act was passed, outlawing segregation in public facilities in all parts of the United States. Other outcomes: The violence provoked by the Freedom Rides sent shock waves through the American society and there were a variety of responses from the public. The press in the white communities condemned the direct action approach the Freedom Riders were taking. However the Freedom Riders managed to establish great credibility with African Americans and White Americans throughout the US and inspired many other people to engage in direct action for civil rights. The Freedom Riders also inspired many African Americans living in rural areas throughout the South and indirectly formed the backbone of the wider civil rights movement (Voter registration, Black Power Movement, Freedom schools etc.). |