Civil Rights Laws

1860s = citizenship/voting rights, 1950s = first steps, 1960s = big wins: ending segregation and securing voting rights.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

Gave citizenship and equal protection to African Americans.

14th Amendment (1868)

Citizenship and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment (1870)

Voting rights cannot be denied by race or color.

Civil Rights Act of 1875

Tried to ban discrimination in public places (struck down later).

Executive Order 8802 (1941)

Banned discrimination in defense industries during WWII.

Executive Order 9981 (1948)

Desegregated the military.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

School segregation is unconstitutional.

Civil Rights Act of 1957

Protected voting rights; created Civil Rights Commission.

Civil Rights Act of 1960

Strengthened voter protections.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Banned discrimination in public places and employment.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Outlawed literacy tests; protected Black voting rights.

Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act)

Banned racial discrimination in housing.