The American Civil Rights movement was a struggle for social justice and equality for African Americans, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s. It aimed to end racial discrimination and segregation, ensuring that all citizens had equal rights under the law. Key events included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the passage of landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Prominent figures in this movement included Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for nonviolent protest, and Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked widespread activism. The movement significantly changed American society, leading to greater legal protections and increased awareness of civil rights issues.