The Freedom Rides, was a movement initiated by a group consisting of twelve African-Americans and six whites, who were commemorating the seventh anniversary of a decision of the Supreme court which ruled that segregation in schools across the country was not constitutional. These groups attempted entering 'whites only' areas and this action, resulted in violent attacks by white mobs. The movement began on May 4, 1961.
When the situation became really critical, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, issued a statement where he advised that a cooling-off period be observed until a state of normalcy is restored. He reasoned that some of the travelers in the buses were innocent people who needed to get to their destinations, and so could easily be attacked by the mob who asks no questions.
The need for new trade routes to the East, the desire to spread Christianity and <em>competition between European countries </em>prompted the start of European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries.
