How did the March on Washington influence President Kennedy?

Study for the Texas AandM University HIST106 Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with detailed explanations to understand U.S. history better. Enhance your exam readiness!

The March on Washington in August 1963 had a significant impact on President John F. Kennedy and his civil rights agenda. The event drew a massive crowd of over 250,000 people, representing a broad coalition of civil rights organizations advocating for racial equality and economic justice. The visibility and unity of the participants, combined with powerful speeches—most notably Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"—captured national attention and highlighted the urgency of the civil rights movement.

In the wake of the March, President Kennedy recognized the growing momentum and critical public sentiment surrounding civil rights issues. The event served as a catalyst that encouraged him to actively support comprehensive civil rights legislation. Consequently, in the months that followed, he proposed significant civil rights legislation aimed at ending segregation and discrimination, which ultimately laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This context underscores why the correct answer reflects the influence of the March on Washington on Kennedy's administration and his decision-making regarding civil rights reforms.

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