13-15 Amendements & Reconstruction Era

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery and made an exception for prison labor - convict leasing.

14th Amendment

Gave former slaves citizenship and due process under the law.

15th Amendment

Granted the right to vote, created to prevent discrimination against Black men in elections.

Convict Leasing

Forcing prisoners to work while incarcerated.

ACLU's stance on prison labor

They see it as exploitation and forced labor, with racial bias against African Americans.

Brown v. BOE

Supreme Court case that removed segregation in public schools.

Roe v. Wade

Supreme Court case that granted women the right to an abortion.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage.

Literacy Test

A test designed to assess a person's reading ability, often made confusing to disqualify voters.

Grandfather Clause

A law that allowed citizens to vote only if their grandfathers had voted in 1865, disqualifying descendants of former slaves.

Poll Tax

A tax required to vote, which many low-income individuals could not afford.

All White Primaries

Laws prohibiting African Americans from voting in primary elections.

Impact of felony convictions on voting

Many African Americans are banned from voting due to felony convictions.

State Democrats' stance on 13th Amendment

Against the amendment.

Union Democrats & Republicans' stance on 13th Amendment

For the amendment.

Key People supporting 14th Amendment

John A. Bingham - supports, US Senator.

Opposers of 15th Amendment

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Rise of hate groups post-15th Amendment

Increase in violent hate groups like the KKK.

Voting Rights Act

Legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination in voting.

Conditions for workers under convict leasing

Workers faced harsh and dangerous conditions, such as in mines and factories.

Historical context of 14th Amendment

Provided a legal basis for challenging racial discrimination during the Civil Rights Movement.

Impact of Black Codes

Became a major issue following the 14th Amendment.

First Black Senator in Mississippi

Elected after the 15th Amendment was passed.