First, the federal government abolished slavery with the 13th Amendment. Next they defined citizenship and protected all Americans under the law with the 14th Amendment. Radical Republicans believed that if they gave blacks the right to vote, it would weaken the southern elites. So in 1869 congress passed the 15th Amendment, which gave all American males, black or white, the right to vote. Less than a year later, 75% of the union had ratified the amendment and it became a law. Not only did the 15th Amendment give blacks the right to vote, but it also gave poor white men the right to vote. Prior to the amendment only white men who owned land could vote. Soon after, black men were elected to every level of government, including governors and senators. Federal legislation like the Freedman's Bureau, also worked to get blacks on their feet and participating in the government, economy and
First, the federal government abolished slavery with the 13th Amendment. Next they defined citizenship and protected all Americans under the law with the 14th Amendment. Radical Republicans believed that if they gave blacks the right to vote, it would weaken the southern elites. So in 1869 congress passed the 15th Amendment, which gave all American males, black or white, the right to vote. Less than a year later, 75% of the union had ratified the amendment and it became a law. Not only did the 15th Amendment give blacks the right to vote, but it also gave poor white men the right to vote. Prior to the amendment only white men who owned land could vote. Soon after, black men were elected to every level of government, including governors and senators. Federal legislation like the Freedman's Bureau, also worked to get blacks on their feet and participating in the government, economy and