In the 19th century, much of the civil rights movement centered on the issue of slavery. The right for women to vote was also an issue during this century.

In the 20th century, civil rights movements for women and African Americans impacted legislative change. There were also civil rights movements for American Indians and Chicanos. Political groups played a major role in forming civil rights movements.

In the 21st century, the movement to secure civil rights expanded to different segments of the population. Many political groups were formed to address the rights of various groups, such as the elderly and the disabled. Groups, such as those in the LGBT community, organized to fight for gay and lesbian rights.