The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political effort in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans. Key events included the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the passage of important legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Prominent leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks played significant roles in advocating for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. The movement sought to challenge segregation and promote social justice, ultimately leading to greater legal protections for all citizens.