FAQ About History for History Students

The Civil Rights Movement, which took place primarily in the United States from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, sought to address and combat racial segregation, discrimination, and inequality experienced by African Americans. The movement aimed to achieve several key goals:

• Desegregation: One of the central goals of the Civil Rights Movement was to end racial segregation, particularly in public facilities such as schools, buses, restaurants, and other establishments. Activists fought for equal access to these facilities and the dismantling of segregated systems.
• Voting Rights: The movement sought to secure and protect the voting rights of African Americans. Efforts were made to eliminate barriers such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation tactics that prevented many African Americans from exercising their right to vote.
• Equal Education: The Civil Rights Movement fought for equal educational opportunities for African American students. Activists sought to end the practice of "separate but equal" schooling, which often resulted in inadequate resources and inferior educational experiences for African American children.
• Employment Equality: Another important goal was to combat employment discrimination and secure equal job opportunities for African Americans. Activists sought to challenge discriminatory hiring practices and create fair employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
• Civil Rights Legislation: The movement aimed to push for comprehensive civil rights legislation that would protect African Americans from discrimination in all aspects of life. This ultimately resulted in landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Social and Cultural Change: The Civil Rights Movement sought to challenge deeply ingrained racial prejudices and foster social and cultural change. Activists aimed to promote interracial understanding, challenge stereotypes, and promote the idea of equality and justice for all.
• Racial Equality and Justice: Ultimately, the overarching goal of the Civil Rights Movement was to achieve racial equality and justice in American society. Activists fought to eliminate systemic racism and secure equal rights, opportunities, and protections for African Americans.