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Civil Rights Act 1964 Essay

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The Civil Rights Act 1964 was first proposed by John F Kennedy. Though there was strong opposition from members of Congress, it was signed into law after Kennedy’s assassination by Lyndon B. Johnson. The Civil Rights Act banned employment and discrimination and public segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. Upon signing the Civil Rights Act, Lyndon B Johnson spoke and made a speech. With this in mind, he begins by stating what the law meant. “I am about to sign into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I want to take this occasion to talk to you about what that law means to every American.” He spoke of the Declaration of Independence, and how these men sacrificed their fortunes and their lives for the idea …show more content…

This was an important statement. There were many Americans who did not want this law and who would not readily abide by the law. President Johnson did indicate that the Civil Rights Act depended on Americans volunteering to comply, but that national authority will step in when others “cannot or will not do the job.” This was also an important statement because this notified southerner against the law that the national government will intervene in situations where there was not compliance to the law. “My fellow citizens, we have come now to a time of testing. We must not fail. Let us close the springs of racial poison. Let us pray for wise and understanding hearts. Let us lay aside irrelevant differences and make our Nation whole. Let us hasten that day when our unmeasured strength and our unbounded spirit will be free to do the great works ordained for this Nation by the just and wise God who is the Father of us all.” During these final remarks, Lyndon B Johnson urges the nation to come together and close the door on discrimination. Ultimately, these remarks were positive and was what needed to be said to America to encourage everyone to embrace all. This was my first time to read through all the remarks after the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This was an important part of our history, and Johnson’s remarks were needed to urge those resistant to obey the

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