Which major U.S. event did Thurgood Marshall play a crucial role in?

Thurgood Marshall played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement through his work as a civil rights lawyer and his successful litigation to dismantle racial segregation. As the chief counsel for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), he argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, most notably Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. This case was monumental in declaring that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, serving as a catalyst for further legal and social progress in the fight against racial discrimination. Marshall’s advocacy and legal strategies were instrumental in challenging unjust laws and practices, making significant strides toward achieving equality and civil rights for African Americans.

The other events listed did not involve Thurgood Marshall in a significant capacity; he was primarily focused on civil rights rather than military conflicts, economic crises, or space exploration initiatives.