apr 9, 1866 - Civil Rights Act of 1866

Description:

The Civil Rights Act was the first federal law that defined what it meant to be a citizen in the United States. The act also stated that every person was considered equal under the law. The act was created primarily to protect African Americans, who were not even seen as human, let alone citizens. President Johnson vetoed the bill on multiple occasions but was over powered by the majority vote. This act is important because it stated the definition of citizenship and declared that all men are equal despite race, background, color, or religion. The Civil Rights Act is yet another step toward equality for America.