You could argue that direct action has eventually led to something by raising awareness of the subject - such as the equal rights/anti slavery/anti-apartheid movements, or the sufraggettes getting the vote for women in the UK.
Direct and violent protests achieve nothing initially, because they tend to stiffen the authorities resolve against the protest.
I'll be interested to see other peoples responses though. Great subject
[edit on 28/0208/08 by neformore]
