The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was a landmark piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress during the Reconstruction Era. The act aimed to guarantee African Americans equal access to public accommodations and facilities such as theaters, public transportation, and hotels. It was intended to outlaw discrimination based on race in public spaces and ensure that African Americans had the same rights as their white counterparts.

However, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 faced significant backlash and opposition from white supremacists and racist groups in the South. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled parts of the act unconstitutional in the Civil Rights Cases of 1883, stating that the 14th Amendment only prohibited state, not private, discrimination. This decision effectively weakened the protections afforded to African Americans under the act.

Despite its limitations and eventual demise, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 marked an important step towards equality and civil rights for African Americans during a tumultuous period in American history. It laid the groundwork for future civil rights legislation and activism in the years to come.