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The 13th Amendment officially ended slavery in the U.S. after the Civil War. It banned slavery and forced labor in every state.

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Quote: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude… shall exist within the United States.” – 13th Amendment

Why It Matters: This amendment was the first big step toward freedom and equality for African Americans, laying the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.

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The Freedmen’s Bureau helped former slaves by providing food, jobs, education, and medical care after the Civil War. It also helped reunite families and support Black schools.

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Quote:

“The Freedmen’s Bureau is the only friend the poor freedman has.” — A formerly enslaved person, 1866

Why It Matters: It supported African Americans during a hard time and pushed for education, something civil rights leaders would continue to fight for.

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Southern states passed unfair laws called Black Codes to limit the rights of newly freed Black Americans. These laws tried to control where they could live, work, or travel.

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Black Codes Passed in the South (1865–1866)

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Black Codes Passed in the South (1865–1866)

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Quote: Mississippi Black Code: “No negro shall be permitted to rent or keep a house…”

Why It Matters: These laws showed that racism didn’t end with slavery and led to stronger demands for civil rights protections.

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The 14th Amendment made all people born in the U.S. full citizens, including former slaves. It also promised equal protection under the law.

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14th Amendment Grants Citizenship (1868)

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14th Amendment Grants Citizenship (1868)

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Quote: “No state shall… deny to any person… the equal protection of the laws.” – 14th Amendment

Why It Matters: This amendment became a key part of civil rights court cases, helping activists fight against unfair treatment and discrimination.

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The 15th Amendment made it illegal to stop someone from voting based on their race. It gave African American men the legal right to vote.

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15th Amendment Gives Black Men the Right to Vote (1870)

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15th Amendment Gives Black Men the Right to Vote (1870)

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Quote: “The right of citizens… shall not be denied… on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

Why It Matters: It was a big win for African American political power, although many still faced voting restrictions later.

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Hiram Revels became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate. He represented Mississippi and helped show what Black political leadership could look like.

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Hiram Revels Becomes First Black U.S. Senator (1870)

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Hiram Revels Becomes First Black U.S. Senator (1870)

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Quote:

“I maintain that the past record of my race is worth preserving.” — Hiram Revels

Why It Matters: His election showed progress for African Americans in government, though that progress was reversed.

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Congress passed laws to stop the KKK’s violence and protect African Americans’ civil rights. These laws let the government take legal action against hate groups.

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Quote: “An act to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment.”

Why It Matters: It was one of the first times the federal government stepped in to protect Black Americans from racial terrorism.

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In this court case, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation was allowed if things were “separate but equal.” This allowed schools, buses, and public places to stay divided by race.

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Plessy v. Ferguson Legalizes Segregation (1896)

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Plessy v. Ferguson Legalizes Segregation (1896)

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Quote: “Separate but equal” – Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson

Why It Matters: This case made segregation legal and created challenges that the Civil Rights Movement would fight against decades later.