The period from 1945 to 1965 designates one of the pivotal points in American history concerning freedom, democratic values, and civil rights. The civil rights movement aimed to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure that everyone has equal rights and opportunities regardless of skin color (LeMay, 2021). Some notable events include Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, Little Rock Nine in 1957, Freedom Rides in 1961, the Birmingham demonstrations, and other multiple peaceful protests (LeMay, 2021). Martin Luther King, Jr. – the notable advocator of civil rights and known leader of the movement – ensured the non-violent nature of the campaign (Dorrien, 2018). As a part of a discriminated group, he represented all African-American citizens in the protests and effectively conveyed the message to the government (Dorrien, 2018). Nevertheless, even peaceful demonstrations occasionally led to violence, specifically because of the aggressive response from white supremacist groups, who saw the idea of racial equality as detrimental to the country (Dorrien, 2018). Ultimately, King was assassinated in 1968; however, the civil rights movement was essential to the development of democracy in the country.
Namely, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Fair Housing Act of 1968 were the primary consequences of civil rights events. The accepted regulations significantly shifted the American political system, prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation (Pineda, 2021). Furthermore, all American citizens for granted voting rights, which ended the oppression period in national politics due to Jim Crow Laws and other instruments of racial segregation (Pineda, 2021). Ultimately, the movement’s momentum gradually decreased since the primary objectives were achieved, and its most notable leaders were unfortunately assassinated.
References
Dorrien, G. (2018). Breaking white supremacy: Martin Luther King Jr. and the black social gospel. Yale University Press.
LeMay, M. C. (2021). Civil rights and civil liberties in America: A reference handbook. ABC-CLIO.
Pineda, E. R. (2021). Seeing like an activist: Civil disobedience and the civil rights movement. Oxford University Press.