The Civil Rights Act of 1875

The Civil Rights Act of 1875, a landmark U.S. law that aimed to guarantee African Americans equal access to public accommodations and prohibit racial discrimination in jury selection. Key Details of the Moment: On February 27, 1875, the United States Senate passed the bill with a vote of 38 to 26. The bill had been championed by Republican Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, who had pushed for stronger civil rights protections throughout his career. Despite facing opposition, the bill was ultimately signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1875. Significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1875: The law prohibited racial discrimination in public accommodations such as hotels, theaters, and transportation. It also sought to ensure equal treatment in jury service, strengthening civil rights protections during the Reconstruction Era. However, the law lacked strong enforcement mechanisms, making its impact limited in practice. In 1883, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional, arguing that Congress had overstepped its authority by regulating private businesses. This decision severely weakened civil rights protections until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, nearly a century later. Although short-lived, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 was a crucial moment in U.S. history, representing an early legislative effort to combat racial discrimination. #CivilRightsAct1875 #ReconstructionEra #EqualRights #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife