Civil Rights During The Post-Civil War Era

Civil rights can be defined as a protected right which restricts unfair treatment of individuals, based on race, gender, or any other trait, by either the government or other individuals. The idea on equality was first introduced into the constitution with the fourteenth amendment. From there, many groups have tried to expand the definition of civil rights in order to conform to the concept of equality for all. During the post-civil war era, many confederate states created “black codes” which restricted the rights of newly freed slaves. This process worked because the fourteenth amendment declared equality to all citizens, but free slaves were not technically considered citizens. This outraged congress and the civil rights act of 1866 was passed. The act guaranteed citizenship to anyone born in America regardless of race, gender, or any other trait. This act in itself was a huge step forward for African-Americans in the fight for civil rights. Further down the line the civil rights movement had progressed in various groups. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened new doors for many different groups including women and African-Americans. This bill allowed voting rights, banned segregation in public places, and banned forms discrimination (regarding education and employment) for all citizens. This is outlined as a major point of progression for both women and African-Americans.