Martin Luther King Jr. played a pivotal role in fostering the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s. His advocacy for nonviolent protest and peaceful demonstrations was central to the fight against racial segregation and discrimination. King’s leadership during events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, galvanized support for the movement. His emphasis on equality and justice resonated widely, inspiring countless individuals to join the struggle for civil rights, leaving a profound impact on American society.