The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted African American men the right to vote.
It prohibited the denial of the right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
Impact: Why Significant?
Expansion of Voting Rights: While it did not guarantee the right to vote for all citizens, it was a crucial step towards racial equality in the U.S.
Reconstruction Era: The 15th Amendment was passed during the Reconstruction Era, a period following the Civil War when the U.S. government aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.
Challenges and Limitations: Despite the amendment, widespread voter suppression tactics, including poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation, continued to disenfranchise many African Americans throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Legacy: The 15th Amendment remains a cornerstone of American democracy, and its fight for equal voting rights continues to inspire efforts towards a more just and inclusive society.