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End of the Civil War
The end of the Civil War marked the beginning of a more just era for black Americans. Following this would come a period of rebuilding, reconciliation, and conflict. Even though black Americans were one step closer to equality, this journey would not be without detractors. The Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist, white supremacy groups were some of the main opponents to equality for black Americans. -
Black Codes
Black codes were a series of tactics employed by southern states to restrict any type of upward economic or social mobility for black Americans. They included making blacks sign contracts that would prevent them for seeking out different employers, even as they earned meager wages. Black codes were successful in many respects, given that would eventually led to the Jim Crow laws that institutionalized and legitimized discrimination against black people long after they formally gained equality. -
15th Amendment
Black men in America were formally granted the right to vote under the fifteenth amendment (US Constitution, 15th Amendment). This, however was only a step in the right direction as states made sure that a majority of black men would still be prohibited from voting. Various methods were used to suppress the black vote. Literacy tests and poll taxes were some of the tactics used to keep black men from voting. Full enfranchisement for blacks would not happen until several decades later. -
Spanish-American War and Buffalo Soldiers
Buffalo soldiers were black members of the United States Army who fought for the country even though it did not fully regard them as citizens. In the Spanish-American war for example, they defended their country most heroically in the face of severe discrimination, and many were awarded medals of honor for their work in Cuba (OpenStax, 2016). Even though they were still treated as second-class citizens, these soldiers fought as if they were not and many died on the battle field. -
The Niagara Movement
As black people sought to be treated better, several leaders in the community emerged. Booker T. Washington was one. He touted that the condition of black people would only improve if they focused on improving themselves, as opposed to focusing on eliminating racism. W. E. B Du Bois was one of those opposed to this idea. He was a leader of the Niagara Movement, and in Buffalo, NY advocated aggressively for immediate and equal rights for black Americans (Declaration of Principles, 1905). -
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Harlem Renaissance
Fleeing racism and discrimination, thousands of blacks moved northward for opportunities like education. This newfound "freedom" enabled the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance (in Harlem, New York) was a period of cultural and social empowerment for blacks where music, literature, art, and fashion blossomed. Blacks were finally able to take pride in their African culture, as well as explore different directions of creativity -- elements that had been stifled in previous generations. -
19th Amendment
Of course, full liberation for blacks could not have happened without the inclusion of black women in democracy. After decades of violent struggle, in 1920, all women were given the right to vote (US constitution, 19th Amendment). This was especially significant for blacks because black women were not made to wait for some period of time after the enfranchisement of white women. This may have signified a society that was maybe gradually accepting of the idea of black people as full citizens.
