The murder of Emmett Till had a profound impact on the civil rights movement, primarily leading to the first option: it sparked outrage and an increase in support for the movement. Till, a 14-year-old African American boy, was brutally murdered in 1955 while visiting relatives in Mississippi. The horrific nature of his death and the subsequent trial, where the murderers were acquitted, galvanized public opinion against racial violence and injustice.
The widespread coverage of his story, particularly after his mother, Mamie Till, chose to have an open-casket funeral to show the brutality of the crime, drew national and international attention to the racial injustices faced by African Americans in the South. This event played a significant role in raising awareness and mobilizing activists, particularly among young people, ultimately contributing to the growth of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
In summary, Emmett Till's murder is often seen as a catalyst for the civil rights movement, inspiring many to take action against racial hatred and injustice, rather than marking an end to civil rights activism.