What was the main focus of Martin Luther King Jr.'s activism?

The primary focus of Martin Luther King Jr.'s activism was the non-violent struggle for civil rights. King dedicated his life to the fight against racial segregation and discrimination, promoting equal rights for African Americans through peaceful protests and civil disobedience. His leadership in the Civil Rights Movement was characterized by his commitment to non-violence, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington highlighted his commitment to achieving justice and equality through peaceful means, which resonated with a wide audience and led to significant legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

While other aspects such as economic development and labor rights were important to various movements during that time, they did not define King's specific mission as clearly as civil rights did. Additionally, King was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, criticizing it for diverting resources from domestic social programs and disproportionately affecting African American soldiers, further underscoring that his main focus was civil rights rather than supporting military actions.