World War II significantly impacted civil rights movements, as many African Americans and other marginalized groups served in the military and worked in wartime industries. This exposure highlighted racial inequalities and contributed to a growing awareness of the need for civil rights. The post-war period saw increased activism, like the formation of organizations such as the NAACP and the rise of influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. The connection between fighting for democracy abroad and the struggle for equal rights at home galvanized efforts, culminating in landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.