Which act explicitly outlawed racial segregation in public accommodations?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is significant because it explicitly outlawed racial segregation in public accommodations, marking a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. This landmark legislation was a response to the widespread racial discrimination and segregation that existed in various public places such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters.

By prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the Act aimed to ensure equal access to public facilities for all citizens. This included the real-world implication of enforcing desegregation in schools and public spaces, and it provided the federal government with the means to intervene in cases of discrimination.

The other acts mentioned have important roles in civil rights history but serve different purposes. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 focused primarily on eliminating barriers to voting for African Americans, while the Civil Rights Act of 1957 aimed to address voting rights issues but did not tackle public accommodations directly. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 attempted to ensure equal treatment in public accommodations, yet it was largely ineffective and later declared unconstitutional in 1883. Thus, the 1964 Act is the key legislation that directly addresses and outlawed racial segregation in public accommodations.