Question

How do the Reconstruction Amendments help explain the status of the men in the image?

Answer 1

Answer:

The 14th Amendment granted the men citizenship, making it possible for them to run for office, while the 15th Amendment allowed African American men to vote for their representatives.

Explanation:

The 13th Amendment ended slavery, but further protection of African Americans was needed after centuries of discrimination. Congress passed the 14th Amendment, which granted African American citizenship. However, many states considered this too radical and opposed. The federal government took action over those states and realized that even with citizenship, African Americans endured discrimination and had little political rights and representation.

Then in 1869, Congress, led by the Republicans, passed the 15th amendment, which made it abundantly clear that all citizens regardless of skin color or ethnicity could vote.