The purpose of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in American history was to address and eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation aimed to end segregation in public places and enforce the right to vote, thereby promoting equal opportunities in education and employment. It was a critical response to the Civil Rights Movement, which sought to challenge systemic racism and social inequality. The Act provided federal enforcement mechanisms to combat discrimination and laid the foundation for subsequent laws protecting civil rights, substantially shaping modern American society.