The Civil Rights Act of 1875 aimed to prohibit discrimination in which areas?

• A. Employment only
• B. Public accommodations
• C. Housing only
• D. Voting only

Answer: (B)

The Civil Rights Act of 1875 aimed specifically to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations, which included places such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other venues available to the public. The legislation sought to enforce the right of individuals, particularly African Americans, to enjoy equal usage of these public spaces without facing discrimination based on race. This act was part of the broader Reconstruction efforts to secure civil rights for former slaves and aimed at protecting these rights in various aspects of public life.

The significance of the act lies in its attempt to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, had access to essential public services and facilities, which was a critical step towards achieving racial equality following the Civil War. The law, however, faced challenges in implementation and was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the 1883 Civil Rights Cases, which limited its effectiveness and highlighted the ongoing struggles for civil rights in America.