The Civil Rights Movement

Movements Move the Country

In the 1950‘s-1960’s there were two big controversial movements, Feminist Movement and Civil Rights Movement. The Feminist Movement promoted gender equality in economic, political, and legal stand points. The Civil Rights Movement however, was supported by the African American community could receive equality in America by using nonviolent protest to bring about change around America. Both movements were a game changer in the 1900‘s. Giving women the right to vote and having their own opinion on political views and also giving African American people the same rights and any white male. However, the movements maybe similar in many ways there are varies ways the movements can be contrasted.

1955-1968 was the time period of The Civil Rights Movement. During this movement the African American community protested to become equal with the whites. Although,Working hard to gain political and economic rights the “Jim Crow Laws” continued to separate the races in restaurants, schools, theaters, parks, and other public places in many states in the South. There were many leaders that took it upon themselves to lead the black people in a positive way such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Andrew Goodman, and others. In the 1960’s was also the start of the Feminist Movement. Arguing that women often had no way out other than "finding a husband and bearing children”. Women protested for their right to vote, reproductive and sexual freedom, and to seek their own personal and professional identities rather than be defined by the male society. Varies women stepped up to the women of America, Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Elizabeth Stanton, and many more.

The Civil Rights Movement was participated by all men and women of the African American Community to stop discrimination against the color of their skin and giving any person, beyond their ethnicity the same opportunities as the white men of America such as voting, not being separated in public places, and ect. The Feminist Movement also wanted the same opportunities as the white male but, was only participated by the white women being discriminated against because they are women only seen to cook, clean and take care of the children. The women wanted more options to be doctors and lawyers, having a real job, receiving equal pay, having their own opinions in varies things.

The Feminist Movement ended in 1972 with the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution it stated, "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." Giving the women everything they have been asking for. The Civil Rights Movement had many set back due to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. The Civil Rights Movement ended due to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned discrimination based on "race, color, religion, or national origin" in employment practices and public accommodations and the Voting Act of 1965 that restored and protected voting rights for all people.

The biggest difference of the two was The Civil Rights Movement dealt with the African American Community being discriminated against due to their skin color, not being allowed in the same room as a white man/woman. The African American people wanted the same opportunities as the whites; such as voting, jobs, money, and going into certain places. On the other hand, The Feminist Movement was the empowerment of women only and their suffrage. Wanting to receive the right to vote, the right to have their own opinion, and make their own decisions on pregnancy. Both movements made America the free country it is today. Giving all white women, black women, and black men the rights they deserve and fought for for many years.