Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (CRA '64) in the United States was landmark legislation. The original purpose of the Bill was to protect black men from job (and other) discrimination, but at the last minute in an attempt to kill the bill, it was expanded to include protection for women. As a result it formed a political impetus for feminism.

Legislative history

Republican Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen pushed the bill through Congress. The bill divided both political parties and engendered a long-term change in the demographics of both. President Lyndon Johnson realized that supporting this bill would mean losing the South's overwhelming Democratic Party majority (which did happen, with some exceptions). After the Democrats led an 83 day filibuster against the bill, with WV senator Robert Byrd speaking for more than 14 straight hours, both parties voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Act, enabling its passage. One notable exception was senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, who voted against the bill, remarking "you can't legislate morality". Other notable exceptions were Tennessee senator Albert Gore Sr. and Arkansas senator J. William Fulbright. President Johnson signed the bill into law on July 2, 1964. Goldwater went on to secure his party's nomination for the presidency, and in the ensuing election, Goldwater won only his home state of Arizona and five of the Deep South states – 4 of which had never voted Republican since the election of 1876. This marked the beginning of the end of the Solid South.

Related Topics:
Republican - Everett Dirksen - Lyndon Johnson - Democratic Party - Robert Byrd - Barry Goldwater - Albert Gore Sr - J. William Fulbright - July 2 - 1964 - Election - Arizona - Deep South - Election of 1876 - Solid South

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