The Free Speech Movement was a student-led protest that began in 1964 at the University of California, Berkeley. It aimed to secure the right for students to engage in political activities and express their views on campus. The movement arose in response to university regulations that restricted political speech and activism, particularly concerning civil rights and anti-war issues. The movement gained national attention and support, leading to significant changes in university policies regarding free speech. Key figures included student leader Mario Savio, who famously called for students to take a stand against the administration's restrictions. The Free Speech Movement is often seen as a pivotal moment in the broader struggle for civil liberties in the United States.