Question

List 3 reasons (1 point for each ) why African-Americans were unable to vote in the late 1800s even after the 15th amendment was ratified. (Hint: Think about strategies that were used to prevent this demographic from voting.)

Answer 1

1. Literacy Tests: Many southern states implemented literacy tests as a requirement for voting. These tests were intentionally designed to be extremely difficult, with complex and obscure questions. African-Americans, who often lacked access to quality education due to systemic racism, were often unable to pass these tests and were therefore denied the right to vote.

2. Poll Taxes: Poll taxes were another strategy used to prevent African-Americans from voting. These taxes required voters to pay a fee in order to cast their ballot. African-Americans, who were disproportionately poor due to systemic economic inequality, often could not afford to pay these fees and were therefore unable to vote.

3. Violence and Intimidation: African-Americans faced widespread violence and intimidation from white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. This included acts of physical violence, threats, and even murder. These acts targeted African-Americans who dared to exercise their right to vote, instilling fear in the community and discouraging them from attempting to participate in the political process.