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Dred Scott v. Sandford
The Dred Scott v. Sandford case was a famous court case in 1857 that decided that African Americans, whether they were free or slaves, were not considered citizens of the United States and couldn't sue in federal court. This decision helped to increase the conflict between the North and the South over slavery and contributed to the start of the Civil War. Also motivated people to continue their efforts to end slavery and gain full citizenship rights for African Americans. -
13th amendment
The 13th amendment to the United States was an important change made in 1865 that ended slavery and forced labor in America. This event was significant in America because it put an end to centuries of legalized slavery. Also, it helped start African Americans with getting their civil rights. The amendment also helped the country move forward after the civil war and point America in the right direction to expand rights for all Americans. -
14th Amendment
The 14th amendment is significant because it states people born in the United States are U.S citizens. the 14th amendment has played a role in in protecting the civil rights of minorities and has been used to get rid of discriminatory laws. Its impact continues today with the American civil rights law. -
15th Amendment
The 15th amendment guarantees the right to vote to all citizens regardless of race, color, or previous condition. it was a major step for African American men and played a major role in equality at the ballot box. but did not immediately ensure voting rights for all. -
Jim Crow Era
The Jim Crow Era was a time when minorities in southern states faced discrimination and segregation. Many laws were enforced to limit their rights and opportunities. This era lasted from about 1877 all the way to the1960's. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Plessy v. Ferguson was a supreme court case in 1896 that allowed separate but equal facilities. this remained in place for over half a century and was criticized for promoting discrimination against minorities. This case is significant because it helped lead to the Civil Rights Movement. -
19th amendment
The 19th amendment is a huge milestone in American history because it gave women the right to vote. it was a victory for women's suffrage movement and gave millions of women the right to vote. the amendment also gave women more equal rights in education and the workforce. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a case that said you could not separate schools based on race because it violated the 14th amendment. the court case overturned the separate but equal case Plessy v. Ferguson. The case marked a turning point for racial equality in the United States. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It addressed a lot of discriminatory practices like segregation in schools. The Civil Rights act was a big turning point in the fight for civil rights and aimed to ensure equality. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 made it so that everyone in America could vote no matter what race or ethnicity. the act got rid of rules that were keeping individuals from voting like knowing how to read, and unanswerable questions. This Act helped individuals from minority groups to be able to vote and is important for equal rights. -
Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action is a policy that provides equal opportunities for minorities for past discrimination. it gained its momentum with the Civil Rights Act. It is significant because it helps minorities have access to opportunities that they were denied of in the past. -
Reed v. Reed
Reed v. Reed was a legal case that said it was unfair to treat men and women differently under the law. the case involved an Idaho law that appointed men over women for administrators. The Supreme Court ruled that discrimination based on gender was unconstitutional. -
Equal Rights Amendment
The Equal Rights Amendment guaranteed equal rights for all citizens no matter what gender. the amendment would guarantee gender equality and raise awareness about pay equality and workplace discrimination. the amendment was passed by congress in 1972 but to this day has not been ratified. -
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke was a Supreme Court Case where Bakke a white male sued the school because he was denied admission due to the school's program that reserved a number of applicants for minorities. the supreme court ruled that colleges cannot set aside a certain number of applicants for any race. -
Bowers v. Hardwick
Bowers v. Hardwick was a supreme court case which upheld the law consensual homosexual activity illegal. the court said there was no right to engage in homosexual activity and people who do so could be criminalized. The court ruling was a big setback for the LGBTQ community. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, restaurants, hotels and stores. the act aims to make sure people with disabilities have the same equal rights as everyone else. this act is an important symbol for the civil rights movement and equality.. -
Motor Voter Act
The Motor Voter Act simplified the process to vote by requiring states to provide voter registration at multiple government agencies. This act made it a lot easier for Americans to vote and increased access to the ballot box for millions. The Motor Voter Act is significant because it helps to expand the voting rights in the United States. -
Lawrence v. Texas
Lawrence v. Texas was a supreme Court case fighting against same sex sexual activity. the court ruled that the government has no interest in criminalizing same sex activity. this court case was significant because it overturned a long-lasting law that stated sex activity was illegal. This case was a huge step forward for the LGBTQ movement. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
Obergefell v. Hodges was a Supreme Court case that legalized same sex marriage. the court recognized that the right to marry extends to same sex couples and not just opposite sex couples. the ruling was a major victory for the LGBTQ movement.