What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that fundamentally changed the landscape of civil rights by outlawing discrimination in a variety of areas. Specifically, it prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and public accommodations, which included hotels, restaurants, and schools. This was significant because it aimed to dismantle the systemic segregation and inequality faced by African Americans and other marginalized groups.

The act also paved the way for subsequent legislation and actions that sought to protect civil rights and promote equality, showing a shift in federal policy towards a more equitable society. It represented a culmination of years of civil rights activism and reflected the changing attitudes in American society towards issues of race and equality.

The other options reflect significant issues in U.S. history but are not directly related to the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Ending the Vietnam War, granting voting rights specifically through the Voting Rights Act, and affirmative action policies are related topics that emerged from the civil rights movement but were addressed in different contexts and legislation.