Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

Study for the ILTS Social Science Exam to become a certified teacher in Illinois. Access multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to thoroughly prepare for your exam. Get ready to succeed and achieve your teaching aspirations!

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights leader who is best known for his role in advocating for nonviolent resistance to achieve racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. His philosophy was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolent protest, and he believed that peaceful demonstrations were the most effective way to confront social injustice and systemic racism.

King's most famous moment came during the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, articulating his vision of a racially integrated and harmonious America. His leadership and strategies helped lead to significant legislative reforms, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle segregation and ensure voting rights for all citizens.

The other choices focus on figures or roles that do not accurately capture King’s contributions or impact. For instance, he was not a politician known for economic reforms, nor was he a military leader during the Civil War, and while he certainly had a profound impact on social justice, he is primarily remembered as a civil rights leader and not merely as an author. Thus, identifying King as an advocate for nonviolent resistance to achieve

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