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Colonial Era
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Criteria for citizienship
Colonies established differing criteria for citizenship, often based on property ownership and religious affiliation. Native Americans, Africans, and non-English Europeans were generally excluded from citizenship. -
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Post-Revolutionary War Era
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Free Citizenship for white men
Many states granted citizenship to free white males. The Naturalization Act of 1790 allowed only "free white persons" to become naturalized citizens. Others, including enslaved Africans and Native Americans, were excluded. -
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Civil War Era
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Amendment 14
The 14th Amendment (1868) granted birthright citizenship to anyone "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States, overturning the Dred Scott decision. This was a significant expansion, though Native Americans on reservations were still excluded. -
CEA
Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) explicitly barred Chinese immigrants from citizenship, highlighting racial discrimination. -
19th Century
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Amendment 19
19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, extending citizenship rights to women. -
Free African Americans with citizenship
Some states began to gradually extend citizenship rights to free African Americans, though often with limitations. Native Americans continued to be denied citizenship. -
ICA
Indian Citizenship Act granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. -
Japanese Americans rights
Internment of Japanese Americans during WWII demonstrated the fragility of citizenship rights for marginalized groups. -
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Civil Rights Movements
Civil rights movement led to desegregation and expanded voting rights for African Americans. -
INA
Immigration and Nationality Act abolished racial restrictions on immigration, opening the doors for more diverse immigrants. -
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21st Century
Ongoing discussions about immigration and DACA highlight contemporary challenges in defining citizenship.