Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr. highlighted the 'chains of discrimination' and voting restrictions as significant hardships faced by African Americans, employing speeches as a key tool in the Civil Rights Movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Martin Luther King Jr., African Americans faced numerous hardships, including segregation and disenfranchisement. One clear example from his speeches is the reference to the 'chains of discrimination' which symbolize the societal and systematic barriers preventing African Americans from achieving equality. Additionally, King highlighted the difficulty African Americans faced in exercising their right to vote, often encountering obstructive requirements and intimidation at the polls. Through the use of rhetoric and organized peaceful protests, African Americans were able to bring national attention to these injustices and advocate for civil rights legislation.