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Black Codes
The black codes were laws that were made to control newly freed African Americans. Some black codes did not allow African Americans to own farms. Officials could fine or even arrest African Americans who didn't have jobs. During this time congress was trying to help the African Americans by creating and changing laws. The Civil Rights Act gave African Americans citizenship. -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civilc Rights Act gave the government power to be invvolved with protecting African Americans rights. It gave African Americans citezenship. The act was made to go against the supreme courts decision in 1857. President Johnson vetoed the act saying it was unconstitutional. Congress was able to override Johnson's veto and the act became a law. -
14th Amendment
The 14th amendment protected the African Americans from getting their citezenship taken away. It said every person had, "equal protection of the laws." It also excluded any past confederate leaders from holding a position in any national or state office unless congress had let them. Congress required the southern states ratify the amendment. Most southern stats did not a t first, so the amendment 's ratification was delayed until 1868. -
Reconstruction Acts
Congress passed the first reconstruction act in 1867 because 10 states had not ratified it. Only Tennessee got to keep its government and rejoin the Union. The other 10 states had to form new governments before they could rejoin the Union. Former confederate leaders were banned from serving in newly made governments. Each state also had to make new constitutions. The acts let Arfican American men vote in state elections. The reconstruction acts led to the 15th Amendment being ratified. -
15th Amendment
Ulysses S. Grant was elected president in 1868. With the elections results voters were continuing to suport Radical Reconstruction. In 1869 congress proposed the 15th Amendment. The 15th Amendment stated that federal governments could not deny the right to vote to any male citizen because of race, color, or previous condition of servicetude. When the 15th Amendment was ratified the states believed they had finished the reconstruction.
