How were former slaves affected by the post-Civil War amendments?

They became a powerful political force in the North because of their voting rights.
They became a powerful political force in the North because of their voting rights.

They immediately received full civil rights in all states.
They immediately received full civil rights in all states.

They were made citizens but did not enjoy the full benefits of citizenship.
They were made citizens but did not enjoy the full benefits of citizenship.

They were able to buy the farms on which they had been in service.

1 answer

The most accurate statement regarding the impact of the post-Civil War amendments on former slaves is:

They were made citizens but did not enjoy the full benefits of citizenship.

The post-Civil War amendments, particularly the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, aimed to provide freedom, citizenship, and voting rights to former slaves. However, while these amendments granted legal rights, many former slaves faced significant obstacles in exercising those rights. Discriminatory laws, such as Black Codes, and practices like segregation and voter suppression severely limited their ability to fully enjoy the benefits of citizenship. Moreover, economic hardships and systemic racism continued to restrict their social and political power in both the North and South.