Civil rights movements

Definition

Social and political movements aimed at securing equal rights and ending discrimination for marginalized groups. In the U.S., the most prominent civil rights movement of the 1950s–1960s fought for African American equality, but the term also encompasses movements for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and more.

Examples

  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) was sparked by Rosa Parks's refusal to give up her seat
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities
Key Fact

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were landmark achievements of the movement.

Related Terms

Civil rights movement Equal protection Due process Landmark supreme court cases

Study This Concept

Practice civil rights movements with free review games in these units:

U.S. Government Unit 6: Civil Liberties and Rights