The significance of the American Civil Rights Act of 1964 in U.S. history lies in its comprehensive prohibition of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation aimed to end segregation in public places and ensure equal employment opportunities. It marked a crucial victory for the civil rights movement, following years of activism and social unrest. The Act also empowered the federal government to enforce desegregation in schools and public accommodations, fundamentally transforming American society. Its passage represented a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights and set a precedent for future equality legislation.