Final answer:
The Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, banned discrimination in housing and is a key piece of civil rights legislation that complemented earlier laws addressing public accommodations and voting rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1968
The legislative act passed in 1968 commonly known as the Civil Rights Act of 1968 or the Fair Housing Act of 1968 has a profound significance in the history of the United States. Its main purpose was to ban discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This was a pivotal step in civil rights legislation as it aimed to provide equal housing opportunities to all Americans, regardless of their background. The act was an extension of previous civil rights laws, namely the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which addressed discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and voting rights respectively.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is considered a landmark in the struggle for civil rights and social justice because it stood as a legal bulwark against housing discrimination practices, such as redlining and restrictive covenants. Although challenges and instances of discrimination persisted, the act provided a legal mechanism for individuals to challenge discriminatory practices and seek justice. Moreover, it highlighted the federal government's commitment to ensuring fair and equitable treatment in housing, a fundamental aspect of the American Dream.