15th Amendment Dbq

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"We claim exactly the same rights, privileges and immunities as are enjoyed by white men. We ask nothing more and will be content with nothing else." This was a quote that was announced by African American voters who held their own conventions to chart their future courses of rights and justice. The actions of African Americans at this time served as a turning point for their lives and for the lives of future generations. African Americans were struggling with their lives because of the way they were being treated. The ratification of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments were important in changing the lives of African Americans. They provided freedom, granted citizenship to future generations and secured voting privileges. …show more content…
The amendment prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on their race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It has two sections. Section one says: The 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. Section two says: The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. The basic purpose of the amendment was to give former slaves who weren't allowed to vote, voting privileges. This amendment had its ups and downs for African Americans, it lead to groups that attacked the blacks and negativity on black voters, but African Americans got to vote and have rights. Despite the efforts of groups to intimidate black voters and white republicans, which was the political party of people who believed in progressive ideals, a unified nation and abolition of slavery, at last there was assurance of federal support that meant that most republican voters could both vote and rule in confidence. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, also known as the Civil War Amendments were designed to guarantee freedom to former slaves and to prevent discrimination against slaves. The amendments played a major role in African American lives and their rights. African Americans were struggling with their lives and rights, but the amendments helped them become