What did Martin Luther King Jr. do?

Martin Luther King Jr. is best known for his significant role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. His approach to advocating for civil rights was characterized by the philosophy of nonviolence, which he derived from his interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. King led various peaceful protests, marches, and boycotts, striving to achieve racial equality and to end segregation and discrimination against African Americans. He believed in the power of peaceful demonstrations and civil disobedience, focusing on love and understanding rather than violence.

This focus on nonviolent methods was pivotal in garnering national and international attention to the civil rights cause, ultimately leading to legislative changes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom encapsulated his hope for a future where all individuals would be judged by their character and not the color of their skin.

While the other choices represent significant historical events and figures, they do not pertain to King's actual contributions and efforts in the civil rights movement.