In what year did the Civil Rights Movement peak in the United States?

The Civil Rights Movement peaked in the United States around the mid-1960s, specifically in 1965. This period marked significant legislative achievements and widespread activism aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. Key events during this time included the passage of the Voting Rights Act in August 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, and the historic voting rights marches, including the Selma to Montgomery marches that occurred earlier that year.

The year 1965 is crucial because it followed landmark moments such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These advancements reflect the peak of organized efforts for civil rights, where national attention and resource mobilization reached their height, influencing public policy and civil rights protections.

Earlier years like 1945 were characterized by the initial stages of advocacy, while 1960 saw important events but not the culmination of the movement's achievements. The year 1975 is beyond the peak period, as the focus of the movement had shifted towards implementation and expansion of the rights gained in the preceding decade.