The Free Speech Movement (FSM) was catalyzed by a conflict at the University of California, Berkeley, concerning student activism and political expression. Starting in the fall of 1964, students sought to challenge the university's regulations that limited their ability to engage in political activities, particularly those related to civil rights and the anti-Vietnam War movement. The university administration's crackdown on student organizing, particularly in response to the emergence of the civil rights movement, prompted a response from students who felt their rights were being suppressed. Organized initially by a coalition of student groups, the FSM gained momentum after students held sit-ins and protests to illustrate their displeasure over the regulations.Mario Savio, a prominent figure in the movement, delivered impassioned speeches highlighting the cause's significance, urging fellow students to take a stand. The movement shaped the political climate on campuses nationwide, prompting discussions about free speech, civil disobedience, and students' rights. The FSM culminated in a large rally on Sproul Plaza, drawing thousands to support their cause. Its success in challenging administrative policies not only redefined campus policies at Berkeley but also ignited similar movements across the United States, contributing to America's broader cultural and political landscape of the 1960s.