What tactic did the Birmingham Sheriff use against peaceful protesters during the Birmingham Campaign?

The Birmingham Sheriff's use of fire hoses against peaceful protesters during the Birmingham Campaign highlights a significant and brutal tactic employed to suppress civil rights demonstrations. This tactic was particularly infamous for its violent impact and was emblematic of the lengths to which authorities were willing to go to maintain the status quo.

Fire hoses were used to disperse crowds of demonstrators, which not only caused physical harm but also served to intimidate and discourage other citizens from participating in the movement. The visual images of peaceful activists being knocked down by powerful jets of water drew national attention and outrage, ultimately galvanizing public support for the civil rights movement.

This specific tactic underscores the harsh resistance faced by civil rights activists and serves as a pivotal moment in history, illustrating the violent measures some law enforcement officials employed against nonviolent protests during this era.