The statement that the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March "wasn’t an important milestone in the civil rights movement because it did not encounter any violent resistance" is inaccurate. In fact, the march was significant precisely because it did encounter violent resistance, specifically during the events of "Bloody Sunday," where marchers were brutally attacked by law enforcement. This violence highlighted the ongoing struggle for voting rights and was pivotal in garnering national attention and support for the civil rights movement.
Additionally, the march ultimately contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting. Hence, the Selma to Montgomery march is regarded as an important milestone because it vividly illustrated the continued resistance to black civil rights, faced violent opposition, and played a crucial role in advancing voting rights.
To clarify the other options:
- The march did face violent resistance, contradicting that statement.
- The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 preceded the march; however, the Voting Rights Act was a direct result of the events surrounding the march.
- The march occurred during the civil rights movement and prior to King's assassination in 1968, therefore it was not the first major protest after his death.
Overall, the Selma to Montgomery march was indeed a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.