Determine the practical effects of each of the amendments listed below.

Question

brought an end to the practice of slavery
guaranteed to African Americans the right to vote
granted citizenship to African Americans
Fifteenth Amendment
Fourteenth Amendment
Thirteenth Amendment

Answer 1

brought an end to the practice of slavery: The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, effectively abolished slavery in the United States. This amendment had a significant practical effect by legally abolishing the institution of slavery and providing freedom to millions of enslaved African Americans. It marked a major milestone in the freedom and civil rights movement.

guaranteed to African Americans the right to vote: The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, specifically guaranteed the right to vote for African American men. This amendment was a crucial step in extending suffrage to a previously marginalized group and ensuring that race would not be a barrier to political participation. It played a vital role in promoting political equality for African Americans.

granted citizenship to African Americans: The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including African Americans. Before this amendment, African Americans were not considered citizens and did not have the legal protections and rights associated with citizenship. The Fourteenth Amendment provided African Americans with equal protection under the law and expanded their civil rights.

The practical effects of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were intertwined and transformative for African Americans. Together, they resulted in the legal end of slavery, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and secured voting rights for African Americans. These amendments significantly advanced the civil rights of African Americans and laid the foundation for the civil rights movement of the 20th century. However, it is important to note that despite these amendments, African Americans still faced significant racial discrimination and the fight for full equality continued.