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The Equal Rights Movement in the USA from 1955 to 1968 was a pivotal time when African Americans and allies fought against racial discrimination, culminating in significant events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. Key achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which made segregation illegal and granted voting rights. Despite these advancements, the struggle against racism persists today.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views2 pages

civ t22

The Equal Rights Movement in the USA from 1955 to 1968 was a pivotal time when African Americans and allies fought against racial discrimination, culminating in significant events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. Key achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which made segregation illegal and granted voting rights. Despite these advancements, the struggle against racism persists today.

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Equal rights movement in the USA (1955-1968) (topic 22)

Today, I’m going to talk about the Equal Rights Movement in the USA, which mainly took place between
1955 and 1968. This was a crucial period in American history when African Americans and their allies
fought to end racial discrimination and gain civil rights such as equal treatment, voting rights, and
freedom from segregation."

Historical Background

To understand the movement, we need to look at the situation before 1955. In the Southern United States,
there were strict Jim Crow laws that kept black and white people segregated. Black Americans were often
treated as second-class citizens. They were not allowed to attend the same schools, use the same
restaurants, or even sit in the same part of the bus.

Although slavery was abolished in 1865, racism continued in many forms. African Americans faced police
brutality, discrimination in employment, and were often denied the right to vote through unfair laws and
violence.

Key Events

1955 – Montgomery Bus Boycott

 Started when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man.

 Led by Martin Luther King Jr.

 Lasted over a year and ended with the Supreme Court ruling bus segregation illegal.

1963 – March on Washington

 Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington D.C.

 Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

 Aimed to push for jobs and freedom.

1964 – Civil Rights Act

 Made segregation illegal in public places and banned employment discrimination.

1965 – Selma to Montgomery March

 Aimed to protect voting rights.

 Protesters were attacked on Bloody Sunday by police.

 Resulted in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1968 – Assassination of MLK

 Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in Memphis, his death caused riots across the USA but also
motivated further civil rights reforms.
Results & Achievements

The Equal Rights Movement led to major changes in American society:

 Segregation became illegal

 Black people got the right to vote

 New laws helped reduce racial discrimination

 Inspired future movements like Black Lives Matter.

But unfortunately, racism didn’t end completely, and the fight for equality continues today.

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