History of North America

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1866 do?

1866 Civil Rights Act

- Gave African Americans citizenship.

- Prohibited states from depriving African Americans of fundamental rights, including:

- The right to make and enforce contracts.

- The right to sue and be sued in court.

- The right to inherit property.

- The right to hold office.

- The right to own property.

- Allowed the federal government to prosecute anyone who violated these rights.