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Equal Rights

Definition

Equal rights refer to the principle that every individual is entitled to the same legal protections, opportunities, and social benefits, regardless of their race, gender, religion or other characteristics.

Related terms

Civil Rights: These are personal liberties that belong to an individual due to their citizenship. This includes freedom of speech and right to vote.

Women's Suffrage: The right for women to vote in elections. It was a movement that fought for this right which was granted with 19th Amendment in 1920.

14th Amendment: An amendment added to U.S Constitution in 1868 granting citizenship and equal civil and legal rights to African Americans and slaves who had been emancipated after American Civil War.

"Equal Rights" appears in:

Subjects (2)

AP European History
AP World History: Modern

Additional resources (1)

AP US History - Unit 7 Overview: The Early 20th Century (1890-1945)

Practice Questions (6)

How might colonial history have changed if slaves were granted equal rights as citizens within the same timeframe as indentured servants?
Which cultural movement celebrated African American culture and pushed for equal rights during the early 20th century?
What movement of the mid-19th century sought to end slavery and extend equal rights to black Americans?
Who was the African American leader, born free in Massachusetts, who advocated for both abolition and equal rights?
Which legislation was passed to ensure equal rights for women?
Which social movement during the mid-20th century advocated for equal rights for African Americans?

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