In what year was the first Civil Rights Act passed?

The first Civil Rights Act, enacted in 1866, aimed to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans after the Civil War. This groundbreaking legislation was significant as it established citizenship for all persons born in the United States and empowered the federal government to intervene in state affairs to protect the civil rights of individuals. The act granted all citizens the right to make contracts, sue, and be parties in court, thereby laying the groundwork for future civil rights advancements.

The other options represent subsequent Civil Rights Acts that addressed various aspects of discrimination and inequality. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, for instance, is famous for prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, while the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (also known as the Fair Housing Act) aimed to eliminate housing discrimination. The 1973 amendment further solidified protections against discrimination. These later acts built upon the foundational work initiated by the 1866 act, which was the starting point for civil rights legislation in the United States.