What were the major achievements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark legislation that aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Its major achievements include:

1. Prohibition of racial discrimination: The act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public places, such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, and schools. This provision aimed to ensure equal access to public facilities for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

2. Desegregation of schools: The act authorized the federal government to withhold funding from schools that practiced racial segregation. This provision played a crucial role in accelerating the desegregation of schools across the country, promoting equal educational opportunities for all students.

3. Equal employment opportunities: The act prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate and address complaints of discrimination in the workplace. This provision aimed to ensure fair employment practices and promote equal opportunities for all individuals.

4. Voting rights protection: The act included provisions that aimed to protect and enforce the voting rights of African Americans. It prohibited discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which had been used to disenfranchise minority voters. This provision played a significant role in expanding access to the ballot for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

5. Creation of the Community Relations Service: The act established the Community Relations Service, a federal agency tasked with mediating and resolving disputes related to racial and ethnic tensions. This agency played a crucial role in promoting peaceful resolutions and fostering better community relations during the civil rights movement.

Overall, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a significant achievement in the fight for racial equality and social justice. It laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights legislation and played a pivotal role in dismantling institutionalized racism and discrimination in the United States.