Final answer:
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was an early measure to combat discrimination, but it's likely the question refers to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which more directly addressed discrimination in employment and housing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 aims to protect individuals from discrimination in real estate transactions, although the question likely refers to later legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. These acts were significant strides in combating discrimination and promoting civil rights. Specifically, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
Moreover, it addressed inequalities in voter registration requirements, and racial segregation in schools, workplaces, and public accommodations.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. These pivotal laws sought to dismantle the barriers that many, especially from ethnic minority groups, faced when trying to buy homes or rent accommodations in particular neighborhoods, addressing issues such as mortgage discrimination and restrictive covenants that were historically used to maintain housing segregation.