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Fighting For Black Citizenship In White Republic 1829 1889 Penguin History

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Published in More Than Freedom: Fighting For Black Citizenship In A White Republic 1829 1889 (Penguin History American Life)

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The United States was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. However, for much of the nation's history, this principle did not apply to black people. Black people were enslaved, denied basic rights, and subjected to discrimination. The struggle for black citizenship was a long and difficult one, but it was eventually successful. In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery. In 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. And in 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment gave black men the right to vote.

The book "Fighting For Black Citizenship In White Republic 1829 1889 Penguin History" tells the story of this struggle. It covers the period from 1829 to 1889, and discusses the major events and figures in the fight for black citizenship. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the United States and the fight for civil rights.

More Than Freedom: Fighting for Black Citizenship in a White Republic, 1829-1889 (Penguin History American Life)

by Stephen Kantrowitz

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4001 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	529 pages

The Early Years

The struggle for black citizenship began in the early 19th century. At that time, black people were enslaved in the United States. They were denied basic rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own property, and the right to an education. They were also subjected to discrimination in all aspects of life.

Despite these challenges, black people began to organize and fight for their rights. In 1829, David Walker published his "Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World." In this pamphlet, Walker argued that black people should fight for their freedom and independence. He also called for them to establish their own schools and churches.

Walker's pamphlet inspired other black leaders to speak out against slavery and discrimination. Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Sojourner Truth were among the most prominent abolitionists of the 19th century. They spoke out against slavery, organized protests, and helped slaves escape to freedom.

The Civil War

The Civil War was a turning point in the struggle for black citizenship. The war began in 1861, when the Confederate States of America seceded from the Union. The Confederacy fought to preserve slavery, while the Union fought to preserve the Union and end slavery.

Black people played a major role in the Civil War. They fought in the Union army and navy, and they helped to build the Union's infrastructure. Their contributions to the war effort helped to convince many Americans that black people deserved to be free.

In 1865, the Union won the Civil War. The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. This was a major victory for the abolitionists and for black people.

Reconstruction

After the Civil War, the United States entered a period of Reconstruction. During Reconstruction, the federal government tried to help black people rebuild their lives and integrate into American society. The government passed laws to protect black people's rights, and it sent troops to the South to enforce these laws.

Reconstruction was a difficult period for black people. They faced violence and discrimination from white southerners who resisted the changes that were being made. However, Reconstruction also saw some progress. Black people began to build their own schools and churches, and they began to participate in politics.

In 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. This amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. This was a major victory for black people, as it gave them the right to vote and to hold office.

In 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. This amendment gave black men the right to vote. This was another major victory for black people, as it gave them the opportunity to participate in the political process.

The End of Reconstruction

Reconstruction ended in 1877, when the federal government withdrew its troops from the South. This led to a resurgence of white supremacy in the South. Black people were denied their rights, and they were subjected to violence and discrimination.

The end of Reconstruction was a major setback for black people. However, the fight for black citizenship did not end. Black people continued to organize and fight for their rights. They established their own schools and churches, and they began to participate in politics.

The 20th Century

The 20th century saw continued progress in the fight for black citizenship. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. This ruling helped to desegregate schools and to give black children a better education.

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed. This law outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Civil Rights Act was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it helped to improve the lives of black people.

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed. This law prohibited states from using literacy tests and other discriminatory practices to prevent black people from voting. The Voting Rights Act was a major victory for the civil rights movement, and it helped to increase black voter turnout.

The fight for black citizenship in the United States has been a long and difficult one. However, black people have made significant progress over the years. They have fought for their rights, and they have won.

The story of the fight for black citizenship is an important one. It is a story of courage, determination, and hope. It is a story that should be told and retold for generations to come.

More Than Freedom: Fighting for Black Citizenship in a White Republic, 1829-1889 (Penguin History American Life)

by Stephen Kantrowitz

5 out of 5