The driving force behind the civil rights movement was the quest for racial equality and justice for African Americans in the United States. Rooted in the long-standing struggle against systemic racism and discrimination, the movement gained significant momentum during the 1950s and 1960s. Activists sought to dismantle segregation, secure voting rights, and address economic disparities. Key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks emerged, promoting various strategies ranging from peaceful protests to more militant approaches. The movement's impacts led to landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, transforming American society.