In what way does the Civil Rights Act of 1866 differ from other civil rights legislation?

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is distinct because it specifically addresses and prohibits discrimination based solely on race. This focus is significant because it laid the groundwork for later civil rights protections that would encompass broader aspects of discrimination, including sex, age, and disability. Unlike other civil rights legislation that evolved over the years to cover various types of discrimination, the 1866 Act was primarily aimed at ensuring equal rights for all citizens in terms of contract, property ownership, and legal protections, all centered around racial equality.

This specific focus on racial discrimination is what sets it apart from other acts, which often address multiple dimensions of discrimination or were introduced to tackle various social inequalities. The emphasis on race from the outset illustrates the historical context of the time and the urgent need for protections against racial injustices.