The Freedom Rides, conducted in 1961, were significant in the civil rights movement as they aimed to challenge segregation in public transportation across the South. Activists, both black and white, traveled on interstate buses to demonstrate the federal government's ruling against segregation in interstate travel. The rides faced violent backlash, yet they attracted national attention, mobilized public opinion, and pressured the government to enforce civil rights laws. They also underscored the importance of direct action in achieving social change, and many riders were arrested, showcasing the risks taken for justice and equality.