Skip to main content

Civil Rights Act of 1871

Civil Rights Act of 1871

Teaser

President Ulysses S. Grant signs the Civil Rights Act of 1871, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, into law. The act designed to protect African-Americans in the South who had been intimidated, harassed, assaulted, and murdered by Klan members; its provisions enabled federal soldiers to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment and other civil rights legislation during Reconstruction.

Year
1871
Date of Event

Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.

Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate