What was the primary goal of the Civil Rights Movement?

The primary goal of the Civil Rights Movement was to end racial discrimination and promote equality. This movement, which gained significant momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, aimed to dismantle the systemic segregation and discrimination faced by African Americans and other marginalized groups in the United States. Activists sought to secure fundamental rights and liberties, ensure equal access to public facilities, voting rights, and fair treatment under the law, which were all withheld from them due to the entrenched system of racial inequality.

In contrast to the other options, the focus on promoting economic prosperity for all—while a worthwhile goal—was not the central aim of the Civil Rights Movement. Similarly, increasing military spending and establishing a new political party fell outside the scope of the movement's primary objectives. Instead, the emphasis on equality and the abolition of discriminatory practices formed the core issues that mobilized activists, engaged citizens nationwide, and ultimately led to significant legislative changes, notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.