The main focus of the 1960s civil rights movement was to achieve racial equality and end racial segregation in the United States. Activists fought against discrimination in various aspects of life, including voting rights, education, and employment. The movement saw the rise of influential leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for nonviolent protests, and organizations like the NAACP and SNCC, which played crucial roles in mobilizing support. Key events included the 1963 March on Washington and the signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, which aimed to dismantle institutionalized racism and promote civil liberties for all citizens.