History influences contemporary political movements by providing a context for current issues, shaping narratives, and offering lessons learned from past successes and failures. Political movements often draw inspiration from historical events or figures to mobilize support and frame their messages. For example, movements for civil rights can invoke the struggles of previous generations to highlight ongoing inequalities. Additionally, understanding historical patterns allows contemporary movements to anticipate opposition and strategize effectively. By learning from the past, contemporary political movements can craft more coherent and compelling whys that resonate with current realities.