Final answer:
The war impacted the civil rights movements by raising awareness, creating opportunities, and applying international pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The war impacted the civil rights movements of the 20th century in several ways. Firstly, it brought attention to the issue of racial inequality and social justice. African American soldiers who fought in World War II and the Vietnam War felt that they were fighting for their country's freedom while being denied their own rights.
This contradiction led to increased activism and demands for civil rights upon their return. Secondly, the war created new opportunities for African Americans and other minority groups. As industrial production increased during the war, there was a need for more workers, leading to a migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. This shift in population helped to create a larger and more powerful African American community that could push for change.
Lastly, international pressure played a role in advancing civil rights. The United States, while advocating for democracy abroad, faced criticism for the lack of equality within its own borders. This pressure pushed the government to address civil rights issues and make some significant changes, such as the desegregation of the military and the passage of civil rights legislation.
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