The major significance of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 was its transformative effect on American society by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation marked the culmination of the civil rights movement, enforcing desegregation in schools, workplaces, and public places. It aimed to dismantle systemic racism and promote equality in various spheres of life. The Civil Rights Act established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to oversee and enforce these provisions, thereby empowering individuals to seek redress for discrimination. Its legacy continues to influence contemporary civil rights debates and policies.