What effect did the Watts Riots have on the civil rights movement? A) They promoted greater racial equality B) helped unify the movement. C) They Cause More Racial Tensions And More Violence D) they contributed to addressing numerous social problems in US cities.

Answer: C) They Caused More Racial Tensions And More Violence

The Watts Riots, which occurred in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles in August 1965, were a large series of violent confrontations that resulted in extensive property damage and the loss of life. While the riots were sparked by an incident of police brutality, they were fueled by deeper issues of racial inequality, poverty, and discrimination. The aftermath of the riots did cause increased racial tensions and more violence in some areas as communities grappled with the systemic issues that led to the unrest.

In the short term, the Watts Riots and similar urban uprisings that occurred in many American cities in the 1960s deepened racial divisions and contributed to "white flight," as white residents moved to suburban areas, leaving behind cities with reduced tax bases and increased socio-economic challenges. Racial tensions intensified as violence and destruction during the riots were met with militaristic responses by the authorities.

However, in the longer term, the unrest contributed to a heightened awareness of social and racial injustices across the country. It underscored the need for major reform in areas like civil rights, housing, employment, and police practices. Thus, while the immediate effect was more tension and violence, there were also gradual moves toward addressing the systemic problems that had given rise to the riots.

Extra: The civil rights movement during the 1960s was a struggle for social justice that sought to end racial discrimination and bring about equality before the law. It mainly started with non-violent protests and civil disobedience led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. However, the deep-seated issues of inequality were not always addressed through peaceful means. Events like the Watts Riots illustrated the depth of frustration and anger in the African American community over continued discrimination and socio-economic disparities.

The civil rights movement had many facets, with different groups and leaders often advocating varied approaches and goals. Some sought to work within the existing political system to change laws and policies, while others, disillusioned by the slow pace of change and continuous oppression, came to support more radical and sometimes violent actions.

In response to the widespread civil unrest of the 1960s, government authorities and institutions eventually implemented some reforms intended to improve conditions in cities and advance racial equality. Initiatives such as the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included the Fair Housing Act, aimed to address discrimination in housing and other areas. The awareness raised by the civil unrest played a significant role in pushing for these changes.

However, the legacy of the Watts Riots and similar uprisings is complex. While they did expose the extent of racial inequality and prompted some positive changes, they also exacerbated societal divisions and highlighted the enormous challenges that still lay ahead in the fight for true equality.