What did the Civil Rights Movement primarily seek to achieve?

The Civil Rights Movement primarily aimed to secure equal rights and treatment for African Americans, focusing particularly on ending racial discrimination and segregation. A fundamental aspect of this movement was the struggle for voting rights, as many African Americans faced barriers that prevented them from exercising this essential civic duty. This included discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which were designed to disenfranchise Black voters.

The movement also sought to ensure equal treatment in various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and public accommodations. The landmark legislation that emerged, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, addressed these critical issues by prohibiting discrimination and reinforcing the right to vote. Thus, the goal of achieving voting rights and equal treatment was central to the Civil Rights Movement and helped to reshape American society towards greater inclusivity and justice.