In the mid-1900s, the civil rights movement played a crucial role in the growth of the United States. Many men and women, black and white, contributed to the development of the rights of African Americans and other minorities. Among them, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X had a lasting impact on the treatment of minorities in the United States. Although their philosophies and tactics differed greatly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X helped shape the civil rights movement and make the United States a better place for people, regardless of race. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had different beliefs. and the goals of the civil rights movement. While Martin Luther King Jr. took a more peaceful stance, Malcolm X could be described as an activist, not working toward integration like Dr. King, but instead trying to separate black and white society. Martin Luther King's more peaceful views were shaped by his Christian upbringing; his father was a Southern Baptist minister. As he grew and flourished, Gandhi and his methods of peaceful protest increasingly influenced Dr. King. Besides Gandhi, the Church, Jesus Christ, and Howard Thurman (a prominent civil rights leader who was Dr. King's friend and mentor) shaped some of King's ideas. From Gandhi, King developed his mentality regarding nonviolent disobedience. While studying in Pennsylvania, he was inspired by Gandhi's success in protesting British rule in India. The Church and Jesus Christ also inspired King. Not only did growing up as the son of a minister help him become one himself, but the idea of ​​"loving [his] neighbor as [himself]" encouraged King to adopt a more peaceful and fraternal approach in its relations with... . middle of paper......one of the biggest similarities between the two men was that they both met untimely ends. In 1968 and 1965 respectively, King and Malcolm X were assassinated fighting for what they believed in; Due to the nature of their work, both men knew they would die for their cause. Although they both died prematurely, their deaths were an inspiration and perhaps a warning to those fighting for civil rights. There were many differences in tactics between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Inspired by Gandhi and his Christian background, King resorted to peaceful protests. fight for civil rights. Malcolm X, whose inspiration came from Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam, used a more confrontational approach in his efforts. Together, King and Malcolm X paved the way for other civil rights activists and shaped the course of the civil rights movement..