What was the primary focus of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s?

The primary focus of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. This movement aimed to dismantle the systemic inequalities that were embedded in American society, especially in the Southern states, where Jim Crow laws enforced segregation in public facilities, schools, and transportation. Activists sought equal treatment under the law and worked to ensure that African Americans could exercise their voting rights, gain access to quality education, and secure jobs without facing discrimination.

Key events of this era, such as the March on Washington in 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, were specifically aimed at addressing the injustices and violence faced by African Americans due to their race. The focus was not solely on achieving economic equality or securing rights for other marginalized groups; rather, it was specifically geared toward addressing the racial injustices that African Americans faced, making the drive to end segregation and discrimination the central theme of the movement during this time.