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Dred Scott v. Sandford
The significance of the Dreed Scott v Stanford case is the decision by the supreme court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or slave, were not Americans, and instead "property," therefore they could not sue in federal court. The court also declared that Congress could not ban slavery in U.S territories. The decision sent ripple through the country and further divided the North and South, which ultimately led to the Civil War. -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment officially banned slavery and indentured servitude in the U.S. The amendment was the result of the four-year-long Civil War in which the North won, reforming the union. This amendment was just the first step in actions towards civil rights protections for minorities within the U.S. -
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment officially granted all persons born in the U.S citizenship, including former slaves or indentured servants. Guaranteeing all people "equal protection from the law." The amendment would become the basis for many landmark supreme court decisions in the following years. -
15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment's purpose was to act on the promises of the 14th Amendment regarding the protection of all voters' rights. The 15th ensured communities and states were not denying men the right to vote based on race and eliminated minority working rights issues, like black codes. -
Plessy v. Fergurson
The decision in Plessy v. Fergurson case established segregation as constitutional, as long as they were 'separate, but equal." Meaning segregation became incredibly difficult to challenge in any court. -
19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Meaning women could finally have an equal voice in government. The amendment was the first step towards ending sexual discrimination in the U.S. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The decision in Brown v. Board of education overturned the "separate but equal" established almost 50 years ago from this point. Beginning the process of ending segregation and leading to equal opportunity for all Americans. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The culmination of countless protests, marches, and defiance. The 1964 Civil Rights Act was significant because it granted discriminatory protections for minorities. Paving the way for full equal opportunity for all, like what was promised so many years ago. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The culmination of countless marches, protests, and defiance. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark moment in Civil Rights legislation in the U.S. Another step towards equal oppurtunity for all Americans, like what was promised in 14th Amendment so long ago. -
The Voting Right Act of 1965
The 1965 Voting Rights Act aimed to overcome state and local barriers against African American voting. Another one of the most far-reaching Civil Rights Legislations, now African Americans could have a voice in the government. -
Reed v. Reed
Reed v. Reed ended gender discrimination regarding estate admin naming. Specifically, ending an Idaho law demanding men candidates chosen over women despite qualifications. This case was the first time ruled gender discrimination unconstitutional because it denies equal protection. -
Title IX
The Title IX legislation ended discrimination against women in the workplace and educational institutes among many other places and protections. Title IX was a huge leap towards equality, since discrimination was now punishable by law. -
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke was significant decision for educational equality. The decision upheld affirmative action, a step towards eliminating the social consequences discrimination had brought on society by providing opportunities for higher education. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The act's purpose was ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and protections as everyone else. Granting disabled people the same protections as African Americans and women. Creating a more equal and opportunistic America. -
Obergefell v Hodges
Obergefell v. Hodges is the most recent landmark civil rights decision in the U.S. The decision prohibited the banning of same-sex marriage because it violates 14th Amendment rights. Hopefully leading to more widespread acceptance of homosexuality and the next major civil rights moment.
