History of South America

How were African Americans given citizenship rights after the US Civil War?

African American men were granted citizenship rights after the Civil War through two constitutional amendments: the Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in December 1865, and the Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in July 1868.

1. Thirteenth Amendment (1865): The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This ensured that African Americans would no longer be held in bondage and would be free to live and work as they chose.

2. Fourteenth Amendment (1868): The Fourteenth Amendment granted citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," including formerly enslaved African Americans. It also required states to provide equal protection under the law to all citizens.

These two amendments laid the foundation for the eventual full and equal citizenship of African Americans in the United States. However, it is important to note that it took many decades and continued struggles for African Americans to achieve full civil rights and equality.