civ t22
civ t22
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
Started when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man.
Lasted over a year and ended with the Supreme Court ruling bus segregation illegal.
Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in Memphis, his death caused riots across the USA but also
motivated further civil rights reforms.
Results & Achievements
But unfortunately, racism didn’t end completely, and the fight for equality continues today.