Civil Rights Act of 1866

- In an effort to stop Black Codes, the U.S. government

implemented the Civil Rights Act fo 1866.
- This act declared that everyone born in the US could not be
subject to slavery or involuntary servitude, regardless of their race
or sex.
- It also gave basic rights such as being able to sue and be sued,
and owning, leasing, inheriting, etc. property.
- It was a tool to aid the new black citizens during the
Reconstruction so that they too may be able to start a new life
without oppression.
- Initially, it was vetoed by president Andrew Johnson but his veto
was repealed by Congress so that it passed anyways.
- Part of the Civil Rights Act of 1866:
"All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every
State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue,
be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for
the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject
to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to
no other."