July 2 in American History

July 2, 1964 — the Civil Rights Act is signed

President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin — banning segregation in public places and discrimination in employment. The most sweeping civil rights law since Reconstruction, it was the hard-won legislative fruit of a decade of struggle, and it changed American life for good.

Common Questions

What happened on July 2 in American history?

In 1964: the Civil Rights Act is signed. President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin — banning segregation in public places and discrimination in employment.

Why is July 2 significant?

President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin — banning segregation in public places and discrimination in employment. The most sweeping civil rights law since Reconstruction, it was the hard-won legislative fruit of a decade of struggle, and it changed American life for good.

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