Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Movement represents a critical chapter in U.S. history, as Americans organized to challenge segregation, discrimination, and unequal treatment under the law. This era focuses on the struggle for racial equality in the mid-20th century, particularly the efforts of African Americans to secure voting rights, equal access to public spaces, fair employment opportunities, and legal protections guaranteed by the Constitution.

Students studying civil rights examine key events such as Brown v. Board of Education, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Birmingham Campaign, the March on Washington, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. The movement highlights the leadership of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and many grassroots organizers, while also addressing resistance to desegregation and the role of federal government intervention.

The resources on this page support instruction on nonviolent protest, court cases, legislation, social movements, and the long-term impact of civil rights activism. Teachers can use these materials for primary source analysis, DBQs, discussion activities, simulations, projects, and assessments aligned with middle and high school U.S. History standards.