Are the authors correct when they suggest that the reaction of the federal government to the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s was driven not by a commitment to social justice but instead by concerns about the effect of racial oppression on the success of American foreign policy?

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The Answer is The authors' suggestion that the reaction of the federal government to the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s was driven by concerns about the effect of racial oppression on the success of American foreign policy is a complex and debated issue. While it is true that the Cold War context and the desire to present a positive image of the United States to the world played a role in shaping the government's response to the civil rights movement, it would be an oversimplification to say that this was the sole driving force.

There were certainly individuals within the government who were genuinely committed to social justice and equality, and who worked to advance civil rights legislation for moral and ethical reasons. Additionally, the civil rights movement itself was a powerful force that could not be ignored, and the government's response was influenced by a combination of domestic and international pressures.

Ultimately, the federal government's reaction to the civil rights movement was likely shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including concerns about American foreign policy, moral and ethical considerations, domestic political dynamics, and the influence of the civil rights movement itself. Therefore, while the authors' suggestion has some merit, it is important to recognize the multi-faceted nature of the government's response to the civil rights movement.

Are the Authors Correct When They Suggest That the Reaction