6 Aug 1965 Jahr - Voting Rights Act of 1965

Beschreibung:

1. What is it?
This act bans racial discrimination in voting. The act has been amended five times in order to increase its protections (1970, 1975, 1982, 1992, 2006).

2. When did it happen?
Effective August 6th, 1965

3. Who was involved?
- Lyndon B. Johnson- he was responsible for getting this bill passed and signing it.

4. Where did it happen?
Washington DC

5. One major cause
The Freedom Summer campaign helped lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Because a campaign for increased minority voter registration had been going on for an entire summer, Johnson felt he had to create more legislation to protect minorities from racial discrimination in voting.

6. One major effect
Because the law banned literacy tests and placed federal officials in registration locations, an immediate increase in African American voter registration was seen. In 1965, almost 250,000 African Americans registered to vote. This act had strong effects and helped African American voters, especially in the Southern states.