14th Amendment

Dread Scott decision

Mar 22, 1857

Slave Dred Scott sued for his freedom this first happened in 1847, it was brought to the Supreme court 10 years later. The Supreme Court ruled that Scott, and every other African American was not legally a U.S citizen.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

Abraham Lincoln takes affect against slavery. This was mostly pushed towards the southern states that thought slavery was alright. Lincoln was trying to make it so African Americans could have more freedom.

Joint Committee is formed

Dec 13, 1865

Former slaves were slowly coming into the society. So this committee was formed to created the 14th amendment. This committee consisted of 15 men.

The 13th amendment outlaws slavery

Dec 18, 1865

The 13th amendment outlawed slavery, which this pushed for the 14th amendment to be created. This was created, because even though Africans were no longer slaves whites didn't want to give them any rights. They were barely able to do anything.

Civil Rights Act of 1866 is passed

Apr 9, 1866

This gave citizenship to anyone born in the United States. Even though this act was passed, some still believed that it would not last forever. So they started pushing for a constitutional amendment.

Congress passes the 14th amendment

Jun 13, 1866

Congress ratifies the 14th amendment on this day. Although three-fourths of all states have to ratify this amendment, before it will be added to the constitution.

Congress gives African Men right to vote in District of Columbia

Jan 8, 1867

With congress allowing African American men the right to vote in the District of Columbia, this shows more rights for African Americans. There for it is pushing more people to ratify the 14th amendment, so they can have rights. If they are born in the United States.

Reconstruction Act passed by congress

Mar 2, 1867

All of the southern states except for Tennessee are refusing to ratify the 14th amendment, because that would mean that African Americans would be able to do more. So congress passed the reconstruction act, this means they are diving the south into five military zones. Confederate states will have to ratify the amendment in able to be allowed back into the union.

14th amendment is added to the constitution

Jul 28, 1868

This amendment extends citizenship to all people born in the United States. This amendment guarantees due process and equal protection of law. On this day three-fourths of all the states ratified the 14th amendment there for it is added to the constitution of the United States.

Brown vs Board of Education

May 17, 1954

This is known as one of the greatest supreme court rulings in the 20th century. During this schools were segregating whites from African Americans. They ruled Brown vs Board of education unconstitutional, this is because it violets the 14th amendment.