The civil rights movement was a pivotal struggle for social justice and equality in the United States during the mid-20th century. It sought to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. Key figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and organizations like the NAACP played crucial roles, advocating nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. Their efforts led to significant legal victories, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, changing the landscape of American society.