February 3 in American History
The 15th Amendment barred denying the vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" — extending the franchise to Black men just five years after the Civil War. Its promise would be undercut for a century by poll taxes and intimidation, but the constitutional principle was now permanent, and something to build on.
In 1870: the 15th Amendment is ratified. The 15th Amendment barred denying the vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" — extending the franchise to Black men just five years after the Civil War.
The 15th Amendment barred denying the vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" — extending the franchise to Black men just five years after the Civil War. Its promise would be undercut for a century by poll taxes and intimidation, but the constitutional principle was now permanent, and something to build on.
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