1001 Space Earth Nature History First Civilisations Ancient Egypt Biblical Times Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Chinese, Japanese Civilisations Indian Civilisation African Civilisation The Early Americas The Rise of Islam The Middle Ages The Renaissance Civil War and Revolution The Industrial Revolution Two World Wars 20th-century Achievements Human World Science and Technology

What did Martin Luther King do? Martin Luther King protested against the unfair treatment of black Americans and against war and poverty among all people. Martin Luther King was an American clergyman who led the civil rights movement in America. Many black Americans had died for their country during the Second World War, but they were still regarded as second-class citizens. During the 1960s, King led peaceful protests and gave speeches that inspired many people to follow him. When he was shot dead in 1968, America went into national mourning.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: History Chapter: 20th-century Achievements