We today heard in class an EOTO concerning a pivotal point in American History, that being that freeing of southern slaves, and the end to a long and bloody war. The road from here was just as steep, even though it is commonly forgotten in history.
The 13th Amendment, was brought into law the 1st of January, 1865. With it, the release of millions of human beings. However, freed slaves, were just that, freed, but no more. It cannot be understated how low some of these people began on the totem pole, with no property to speak of whatsoever, in a time where property law, and ownership dictated whether or not one was well off in life.
Unlike today, where many of our assets, bonds, investments, even debts are handled virtually, every worldly holding in the 1860's was physical. And these ex-slaves had none of it. This meant a quick transition from slavery in the literal sense, to being a pair of hands to anyone who would pay.
(See Image Source)
A small plot of land, rented by "freedmen"
Moreover, this was not the extent of barriers that stood in their way. The Southern Reconstruction era brought about the "Black Codes". These served to restrict the rights of African Americans, and cut off what little access they had to upward mobility.
This discrimination was seen everywhere, yet amplified in two specific places. First the private sector, in which white owners faced no legal punishment for excluding black customers from service or access. Second, the African American's participation in the legal system.
With Black Codes came poll taxes, requirements to vote that would make it all but impossible for a black citizen to cast a ballot. Literacy tests, landowner status being among the restraints utilized. On a side note, when it was discovered that many white citizens were unable to meet these arbitrary requirements, a grandfather clause was implemented that allowed anyone whose grandfather was able to vote, prior 1867 be excused from such tests.
It eventually took the Reconstruction act 1867, to get the proverbial ball rolling. This separated south into 5 military districts, run by military officials, and black men once again could vote. This was initially vetoed by Johnson, but then passed by house and senate.
In conclusion, I was reminded once again that the struggle of African Americans in the United States continued long after the surrender of Robert E. Lee; furthermore, this abolition of slavery served much like an action of the supreme court, that being an opening bid, which opened the gates to progress - as opposed to a permanent solution.
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