Which event resulted in significant changes to the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s?

The Selma to Montgomery marches were pivotal events in the Civil Rights Movement that took place in 1965. These marches were organized to protest discriminatory voting practices that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote in the South. The events were characterized by the brutal response from law enforcement when marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, an incident that became known as "Bloody Sunday." This violence garnered national attention and outrage, significantly raising awareness about civil rights issues and galvanizing public support for the movement.

Moreover, the marches directly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. This legislation was instrumental in ensuring federal enforcement of voting rights and led to the registration of millions of new voters. Thus, the Selma to Montgomery marches were more than just a series of protests; they marked a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, illustrating the power of nonviolent activism and its ability to effect legislative change.