Force Acts

Force Acts in 1870-1871. Force Acts can refer to several groups of acts passed by the United States Congress. The term usually refers to the events after the American Civil War. The four Force Acts passed by the Congress of the United States shortly after the American Civil War helped protect the voting rights of African-Americans. Congress, outraged by this night-riding lawlessness passed the Force Acts of 1870 and 1871. Federal troops were allowed to stamp out much of the "lash law" but by this time the Invisible Empire has already down its work of intimidation.