Blac Lives Matter, shifting public opinion on racial justice and policing

Women's March, mobilizing millions for gender equality

Tea Party, influencing conservative politics

How Protests "Work" (Success Metrics):
Shifting Public Opinion: Movements like BLM and anti-war protests (against Iraq War) raised awareness and changed national conversations, even without immediate policy reversal.
Political Influence: The Tea Party demonstrated how street activism can translate into electoral power, while BLM's voter registration efforts impacted key states.
Policy & Legal Changes: While often slow, protests create pressure that leads to legislative action (like aspects of the Civil Rights Movement) or legal challenges (like those leading to Roe v. Wade's reversal, demonstrating complex outcomes).
Sustained Mobilization: Movements like the Women's March and ongoing climate strikes keep issues visible and create sustained pressure on politicians.