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Thirteenth Amendment Abolishes Slavery
Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the United States.
Significance: This amendment ended legal slavery, marking a foundational step in American civil rights. It helped the movement by legally freeing millions and setting a precedent for future rights expansions. -
Fourteenth Amendment Grants Citizenship and Equal Protection
Fourteenth Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including former slaves.
Significance: This amendment became the legal backbone for many later civil rights cases, including those addressing race, gender, and disability. It helped the movement by providing a constitutional basis for equality. -
Plessy v. Ferguson Establishes “Separate but Equal”
Court ruled that racial segregation was constitutional as long as facilities were “separate but equal,” legitimizing Jim Crow laws.
Significance: This decision severely hurt the civil rights movement by upholding legal segregation for nearly 60 years. -
Nineteenth Amendment Grants Women the Right to Vote
19th amendment was ratified, prohibiting the denial of the right to vote on the basis of sex.
Significance: This amendment was a major victory for gender equality, helping the women’s rights movement by enfranchising millions of women. -
Executive Order 9981 Ends Segregation in the Armed Forces
Harry S. Truman signed an executive order ending racial segregation in the U.S. military.
Significance: This action helped the movement by setting a precedent for federal desegregation and equal opportunity. -
Brown v. Board of Education Overturns “Separate but Equal”
Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson in education.
Significance: This landmark case helped the movement by striking down legal segregation and inspiring further civil rights activism. -
Civil Rights Act Bans Discrimination
Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Significance: This law helped the movement by outlawing segregation and unequal application of voter registration requirements. -
Voting Rights Act Protects Minority Voting Rights
Rights Act was enacted to remove barriers preventing African Americans from voting, such as literacy tests and poll taxes.
Significance: This act helped the movement by enforcing the Fifteenth Amendment and increasing minority voter participation. -
Title IX Expands Gender Equality in Education
Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed, banning sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.
Significance: This law helped the movement by increasing opportunities for women in academics and athletics. -
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Passes
Signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, and public accommodations.
Significance: This act helped the movement by expanding civil rights protections to Americans with disabilities. -
Obergefell v. Hodges Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide
Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all 50 states.
Significance: This decision helped the movement by advancing LGBTQ+ rights and affirming marriage equality.