What pivotal event is described as the spark for the modern civil rights movement in the U.S.?

The Montgomery Bus Boycott is recognized as a pivotal event that sparked the modern civil rights movement in the United States. This boycott began in December 1955 after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man, which highlighted the discriminatory practices embedded within the public transportation system of Montgomery, Alabama.

The significance of the boycott lies in its demonstration of collective action and civil disobedience. It galvanized African Americans and their allies to stand against racial segregation, leading to a 381-day boycott of the city's buses. This event not only drew national attention to the civil rights struggle but also showcased the effectiveness of nonviolent protest as a means of enacting social change.

The leadership of figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. during the boycott helped to lay the foundation for future civil rights initiatives and organizations. It underscored the power of sustained, organized community resistance and set the stage for subsequent major civil rights events and legislation, making it a crucial turning point in the movement.