Explain why Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous speech "I have a dream" in 1963.

The political and social context in the United States in 1963

In 1963, the United States was experiencing a tense period marked by strong racial segregation in many states, primarily in the South. Segregation was commonly enforced in daily life: schools, restaurants, buses, and even restrooms were divided into spaces reserved separately for white or black individuals. This discrimination led to regular violence against African Americans, who were often denied the right to vote and other fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the American Constitution. At the time, several activist movements emerged to denounce these blatant inequalities, with on one side peaceful groups like that of Martin Luther King Jr., and on the other, more radical and confrontational groups. Alongside this social unrest, President John F. Kennedy timidly sought to introduce laws to improve civil rights, but he faced resistance from conservative politicians in the South. This explosive social climate created the ideal environment for King and other leaders to publicly act in demand of true equality, in front of an increasingly attentive American public.

The March on Washington: Goals and Expectations

Scheduled for August 28, 1963, the March on Washington aimed primarily to demand real equality of rights and work for all, regardless of skin color. The idea was to mobilize thousands of people to show that the injustices faced by African Americans were no longer acceptable. Through a peaceful and massive demonstration in front of the Lincoln Memorial, activists from across the country hoped to draw the government's attention to push for real legislative changes. Many also relied on this day to unite different communities around a clear message: it was time to put an end to racial discrimination. The pressure was mounting, President Kennedy was watching closely, and everyone was yearning for a major turning point for civil rights in the United States.

The injustices and challenges faced by African Americans

In the 1960s, African Americans face daily racial segregation, particularly in transportation, schools, and public spaces. Access to certain places is restricted by signs such as "Whites Only." They live under the constant threat of physical violence and social discrimination, not to mention the difficulties in finding decent jobs. Even the right to vote is denied to them in many Southern states through deceptive practices such as unfair literacy tests or threats of violence, making their democratic participation nearly impossible. In this climate, African Americans often find themselves condemned to endure an unjust system designed to keep them marginalized in society.

The vision of equality and integration championed by Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. wanted above all to show that people could respect and accept each other beyond their skin color. His vision was based on the conviction that every individual, black or white, had the fundamental right to be treated with dignity and equality. He advocated for complete integration, with schools, buses, and restaurants open to all, without distinction. For him, there was no racial hierarchy, only the simple yet powerful idea that we are equal before the law and in our daily interactions. His primary desire was for a reunified, peaceful, and just American society, where racial barriers would finally have disappeared.

The role of discourse in the struggle for civil rights and its immediate influence.

This speech quickly had a strong impact that united and inspired thousands of people in their fight for equality of rights. By providing a clear and concrete image of what a liberated America free from discrimination might look like, Martin Luther King Jr. awakened consciences and encouraged many Americans to think differently. The media impact was also enormous: the speech reached a very wide audience, thereby helping to place the civil rights struggle at the center of national attention. That moment is now considered a symbolic turning point that facilitated the rapid subsequent adoption of crucial laws against segregation and racial discrimination in the United States.