jul 31, 1964 - The Civil Rights Act 1964 [SOCIAL]

Description:

Begun by JFK and then completed by Johnson. This Act banned discrimination based on race and gender in employment and ended segregation in all public facilities.

Johnson played an important role in getting the Act passed: he exploited the death of JFK, persuaded the Republican leader of the Senate, Everitt Dirksen, to give his support an deliver Republican votes; persuaded all living ex-presidents to sign a statement supporting the principle of civil rights and as a Southerner, could assert that legislation was necessary without being accused of being an ignorant northern liberal. As a result, the Bill went through Congress with substantial majorities.

Evidence of Federal Government and President helping civil rights.

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