Martin Luther King Jr. was shaped by various pivotal events in his life, including his upbringing in a religious household, which instilled deep morals and a sense of justice. The Montgomery Bus Boycott catalyzed his rise as a leader, showcasing his commitment to nonviolent protest. His experiences with racial discrimination during his college years also fueled his activism. Influences from figures like Gandhi and the broader Civil Rights Movement provided a framework for his advocacy, ultimately directing him to challenge the systemic inequalities in American society.