Final answer:
The Kerner Commission identified white racism as the primary cause of the mid-1960s urban riots and recommended major socioeconomic reforms, which were largely ignored due to widespread opposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kerner Commission, officially known as the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, was tasked with investigating the causes of urban rioting that occurred in the mid-1960s. After its thorough analysis, the Commission concluded that the riots were primarily caused by white racism. The Commission's 200,000-word report highlighted stark racial inequalities, including discrimination in employment, inadequate housing, and frustration among African Americans due to the lack of effective political representation and economic opportunities. In response, the Kerner Commission recommended significant reforms such as the construction of new housing, the creation of job programs, and the eradication of de facto segregation to improve conditions in impoverished urban neighborhoods, which were often described as ghettos.
However, these recommendations faced much opposition and were largely unimplemented, contributing to a lack of substantial progress in addressing the root causes that sparked the riots. The Commission's finding held that societal changes were imperative for preventing further racial discord and violence, underscoring the urgent need for a commitment to national unity and justice.
In summary, the Kerner Commission blamed much of the rioting that plagued northern cities during the mid-'60s on white racism (Option C).