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What is the history of the civil rights movement in the United States?
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The history of the civil rights movement in the United States began in the 19th century with the abolition of slavery and the fight against racial segregation. This fight continued in the 20th century and was characterized by significant legislative achievements such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This period of activism saw numerous protests, court cases, and nonviolent direct action which pushed for the social and political equality of African Americans. The civil rights movement was closely tied to the growth of the Black Power movement, which sought to promote Black pride and self-determination as an alternative to integration and assimilation. This movement gained momentum into the late 1960s and early 1970s before the struggle shifted away from law reform and towards larger social and economic issues.