The massive nonviolent resistance created tension. Dr. King firmly believed that if a new social order was to emerge and change, tension is inevitable for progress. He believed the Gandhian technique could succeed. However, he also believed resistance to change is always powerful, and where prejudice is deep-seated, as in the American south, the friction would be great. King's weapon of nonviolence was used to force the government to live up to its duties and obligations, to awaken the conscience of the white majority to the injustices his race suffered.
Civil disobedience is a moral right against unjust laws.
He flagrantly and nonviolently disobeyed laws which his conscience told him are unjust and willingly suffered any penalties. Martin Luther King emerged as the spokesman and symbol of Black Americans. His universal appeal as both a symbol and the cause he stood for are greater than the man. But it took a man of the stature and faith of Dr. King to have achieved significant success because he worked hard at the American dream through the Gandhian philosophy of action. And because of it, he was largely instrumental in turning Black's potential for violence into imaginative nonviolent channels.