Which document was a significant step towards civil rights for African Americans?

The Emancipation Proclamation was indeed a pivotal moment in American history as it declared the freedom of all enslaved people in the Confederate states. However, while it was a significant milestone in the fight against slavery, it did not immediately grant civil rights to African Americans or guarantee their citizenship and equal protection under the law.

The 14th Amendment, enacted in 1868, played a crucial role in advancing civil rights by defining citizenship and providing equal protection under the law for all individuals, particularly former slaves.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was landmark legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, addressing various civil rights issues and prohibiting segregation in schools and public places.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 further protected African American voting rights and aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for minorities.

In the context of civil rights, the 14th Amendment, the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act are directly tied to legal protections and equal rights, thus positioning them as more significant steps towards civil rights than the Emancipation Proclamation.