AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Reconstruction Amendments (Day 148/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Reconstruction Amendments as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

1865 Thomas Nast Cartoon, National Park Service

As the Civil War concluded, the Federal Government considered and ultimately passed three major amendments to the Constitution to protect the rights of newly freed persons.

Engraving of the 13th Amendment, Zinn Education Project

The 13th Amendment, passed in January 1865, prior to the conclusion of the war, abolished slavery. However, many Southern states would implement other methods to enslave African Americans “as a punishment for a crime” which was a loophole of the amendment.

House and Senate Votes on the 14th Amendment, Wikimedia Commons

In 1868, the 14th Amendment was passed which granted citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. except American Indians. It also emphasized the principle of equal protection attempting to secure civil rights for African Americans.

The First Vote, Library of Congress

Finally, after significant debate, the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869. It provided all male citizens the right to vote. Some women, who had hoped and advocated for inclusion, were outraged with its passage.

During Reconstruction, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were ratified which abolished slavery, granted citizenship to African Americans, and provided the right to vote to all male citizens.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Reconstruction and Women’s Rights in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!