The push behind the establishment of civil rights legislation in the U.S. was fueled by a combination of grassroots activism, influential leaders, and a broader social consciousness regarding racial equality. Following World War II, many African Americans, who had fought for freedom abroad, sought to challenge the systemic racial discrimination and segregation prevalent in American society. Key events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, highlighted the urgent need for legislative change. The civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s, culminating in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle institutionalized racism.