Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal period in American history during the 1950s and 1960s.

This lesson is a part of Onsego GED Prep.

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1. What are civil rights?

A.an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason

B.an area of public land set aside by the government for Native Americans

C.rights that involve equal status and treatment and the right to participate in government

D.All of the above

Question 1 of 3

2.

President _______  signed civil rights legislation to end segregation and discrimination in the workplace and all public places.

A.John F. Kennedy

B.Lyndon B. Johnson

C.Franklin D. Roosevelt

D.Abraham Lincoln

Question 2 of 3

3. When was the Civil Rights bill signed into law?

A.1964

B.1982

C.1944

D.1968

Question 3 of 3

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Video Transcription

In this lesson, we’re going to explore the Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal period in American history during the 1950s and 1960s.

This movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and secure legal recognition and federal protection of their citizenship rights.

The Civil Rights Movement gained momentum after World War II, as returning African American veterans demanded the rights and freedoms they had fought for abroad.

One of the early victories was the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine.

Rosa Parks played a crucial role when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955.

Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Martin Luther King Jr., lasting over a year and ending with a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a prominent leader, advocating for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.

His “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington in 1963 inspired millions and brought national attention to the struggle for civil rights.

The movement faced significant resistance but achieved landmark victories.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and public accommodations.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 followed, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting and ensuring that African Americans could exercise their right to vote.

Other important figures and events included the Freedom Riders, who challenged segregation in interstate bus travel, and Malcolm X, who advocated for black empowerment and self-defense.

In summary, the Civil Rights Movement was a crucial period in American history that led to significant legal and social changes.

It ended institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, securing greater equality and justice for African Americans and paving the way for future movements for social justice.

Last Updated on October 20, 2025.