The Reconstruction Amendments (13-15)
Amendment 13 ----*All forms of slavery and servitude were abolished and prohibited* Congress took steps to create a amendment to make sure that the institution of slavery was completely abolished. They had to do this in order to determine that none could bring back slavery. At that time adding amendments was a very uncommon occurrence. The last time an amendment was added was more than 60 years ago. As the civil war was coming to an end, more northerns were favoring the abolition of slavery for either revenge on the south or for moral justice. The 13th amendment was passed on January 31, 1865 and abolished slavery completely.
Amendment 14 ---- *Guaranteed citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States* Citizenship, due process, and equal rights. July 9, 1868. Granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in USA. It forbid states to deny any person from life, liberty or property, without due process of law or within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The 14th amendment greatly expanded the protection of civil rights to all Americans and is one of the most important amendments ever.
Amendment 15 ---- *Gave African American men the right to vote* African Americans were given the right to vote. February 3, 1870. It clearly stated "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." After this amendment was established Southern states found ways to disenfranchise African Americans through poll taxes, literacy tests, etc.
Amendment 14 ---- *Guaranteed citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States* Citizenship, due process, and equal rights. July 9, 1868. Granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in USA. It forbid states to deny any person from life, liberty or property, without due process of law or within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The 14th amendment greatly expanded the protection of civil rights to all Americans and is one of the most important amendments ever.
Amendment 15 ---- *Gave African American men the right to vote* African Americans were given the right to vote. February 3, 1870. It clearly stated "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." After this amendment was established Southern states found ways to disenfranchise African Americans through poll taxes, literacy tests, etc.