1. Shift from Nonviolent Resistance to Black Power:
- The nonviolent resistance tactics, which had been central to the civil rights movement during the early and mid-1960s, began to give way to a more assertive and militant stance known as "Black Power."
- Black Power advocates argued for self-defense, black pride, and the establishment of independent black institutions.
2. Rise of Black Nationalism:
- Black nationalist organizations, such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party, gained prominence during this period.
- These organizations emphasized black separatism, self-sufficiency, and the rejection of white-dominated institutions.
3. Increasing Radicalism:
- The civil rights movement became more radicalized as some activists grew frustrated with the slow pace of change and perceived unresponsiveness from the government.
- Protests and demonstrations often took on a confrontational and militant tone.
4. Urban Upheavals:
- The late 1960s saw a wave of urban uprisings and riots in major cities across the United States, including the Watts Rebellion in Los Angeles and the Detroit Riot.
- These uprisings were sparked by grievances over police brutality, inadequate housing, unemployment, and racial discrimination.
5. Civil Rights Act of 1968:
- In response to the intensifying civil rights movement and the urban unrest, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which outlawed housing discrimination.
- This law was considered a major victory for civil rights activists.
6. Shift in Focus:
- As the civil rights movement confronted new challenges and internal divisions, the focus began to shift from desegregation and voting rights to broader social and economic issues, such as poverty and inequality.
7. Gender and Intersectionality:
- The late 1960s and early 1970s also saw a growing awareness of the intersectionality of race, gender, and other forms of oppression.
- Women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights became increasingly intertwined with the civil rights movement, as activists recognized the need to address multiple forms of discrimination.
8. Black Feminist Movement:
- The black feminist movement emerged during this period, challenging the patriarchal and sexist practices within both the civil rights movement and society at large.
- Black feminist activists advocated for the rights and liberation of black women.
9. Government Repression:
- The U.S. government engaged in surveillance and repression of civil rights activists and organizations, including the FBI's COINTELPRO program.
- This repression aimed to undermine and disrupt the movement.
Overall, the civil rights movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s underwent significant changes, with a shift from nonviolent resistance to more assertive tactics, the rise of black nationalism, and increasing radicalism. The movement faced new challenges and divisions while continuing to push for racial justice and equality.