-
Mendez V. Westminster
The Federal Case ended the segregation of Mexican-American students in California schools. Precursor to Brown V. Board; First Major desegregation victory. This wasn't Civil Disobedience, but a Legal Challenge. -
Montgomery Bus Boycotts (1955-1956)
A year-long boycott after Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. Led by MLK Jr, it was significant because it demonstrated nonviolent protest; it ended bus segregation. It was Civil Disobedience because of the Boycotts and the Sit-Ins -
Brown V. Board of Education
Landmark Supreme Court case declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning "separate but equal" from Plessy v. Ferguson. It was significant because it was a Catalyst for school desegregation and broader civil rights activism. It was a Legal Victory, not direct disobedience -
Publication of The Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan's Book critiqued suburban women's societal roles, sparking second-wave feminism. Ignited the modern feminist movement; Led to the creation of NOW ( National Organization for Women), Not Civil Disobedience, but Intellectual Activism -
March On Washington
250,000+ gathered for jobs/freedom; MLK delivered "I Have a Dream" speech. It pushed for the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965). This wasn't a Civil Disobedience, but a Peaceful Protest. -
Selma to Montgomery Marches
Bloody Sunday attack on Marchers led to the Voting Rights Act. This led to secure federal voting protections. Civil Disobedience due to Marches. -
Delano Grape Strike (1965-1970)
Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta led a farmworkers' strike for fair wages and conditions. It led to Union Contracts; Inspired Labor Movements. This was Civil Disobedience, because of Boycotts and Hunger Strikes. -
Stonewall Riots
LGBTQ+ patrons resisted police raid at NYC's Stonewall Inn. This sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. This was Civil Disobedience because they rioted due to self-defense. -
Occupation of Alcatraz (1969-1971)
Native activists occupied Alcatraz Island, claiming it as "Indian Land." It drew attention to treaty rights; inspired further activism. This was Disobedience because they occupied the Island. -
Chicano Moratorium
30,000+ protested the Vietnam War’s disproportionate impact on Mexican-Americans. Highlighted systemic racism; police riot injured 150+. This was Civil Disobedience because it was a Mass Protest. -
Women's Strike for Equity
50,000+ marched in NYC demanding equal pay, abortion rights, and childcare. It showed the Feminist movement's grassroots power. This was a Civil Disobedience because of the Mass Protest. -
Roe V. Wade
The Supreme Court legalized abortion under privacy. Landmark for reproductive rights; Remained Contentious. This wasn't Civil Disobedience, but a Legal Ruling. -
Wounded Knee Occupation
AIM-Lead (American Indian Movement) was a 71-day siege to protest corruption and demand tribal sovereignty. It highlighted federal oppression of Native Communities. This was a Disobedience because it was an Armed Protest. -
Indian Self-Determination Act
The law granted tribes control over federal programs (Education, Healthcare). A key step toward tribal autonomy. This wasn't Civil Disobedience, it was a Legislative Victory. -
Black Lives Matter Founding
Global movement against police brutality after Trayvon Martin’s death. Revived civil rights activism; addressed systemic racism. This was Civil Disobedience because of the Protests and Die-Ins.