Civil rights issues during the mid-20th century both united and divided society in the United States. On one hand, the civil rights movement brought people together who were fighting for equal rights and justice for African Americans. Activists, both black and white, joined together to protest and demand change through peaceful demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. This spirit of unity and solidarity helped to bring about significant legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
On the other hand, the struggle for civil rights also exposed and intensified deep divisions within American society. Racism and discrimination were deeply ingrained in the country's history and institutions, and many white Americans resisted change and the loss of their perceived superiority. This resistance took many forms, from violence and intimidation against civil rights activists to more subtle forms of discrimination and segregation that persisted long after the legislation was passed.
Overall, the struggle for civil rights during the mid-20th century both brought people together in a shared cause and highlighted the persistent divisions in American society over issues of race and equality.