The primary leader during the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was Martin Luther King Jr. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience was instrumental in challenging racial segregation and discrimination across the United States. King’s leadership in pivotal events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Birmingham Campaign, galvanized support for civil rights legislation. His iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 Washington rally articulated a vision of racial equality and justice. King’s efforts contributed significantly to the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.