MLA Amendments 13, 14, 15

 The very first positive outcome of the American Civil War revolved around the XIII Amendment. Slavery was officially abolished once Section 1 of the Amendment was released. As stated in "America Past and Present" section 1 "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction"  (Divine, Robert A, A-12). The firmness of the literature truly emphasize the radical change of that time.

  A couple of years later, the country is still uncertain and unsettled about the XIII Amendment. In 1868, the XIV Amendment was passed and enforced nation wide. This section formally defines equal Citizenship, Life, Liberty, and fair entitlement to property was emphasized in Section 1. As stated, "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" (Divine, Robert A). This allows the Federal Government to protect all naturalized citizens from any cruel laws being passed through the state level.

  The ground rules on voting rights were explained along with what defines a US Citizen and who is not eligible to run for office (civil or military) in Sections 2 & 3. Section 2 clarifies that any male 21 years of age is entitled to vote no matter the race. Stated in Section 2 "any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States," continued "shall bear to the whole number of male citizens" (Divine, Robert A). This means that post slaves are counted as "one whole person" per-vote rather than being considered 3/5ths or a person as previously enforced. Section 3 stressed that all members of the old confederacy leaders not have the ability to hold any Federal Office. Section 3 states that no person shall "have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given and or comfort to the enemies" (Divine, Robert A). The only way they should have a chance to regain full citizenship and a spot in office is through a passed 2/3 vote from congress itself.

  Continuing on with the XIV section 4. As stated "any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void" (Divine, Robert A). This was a section firmly stating to all southern states that there will be no payments or compensation for loss of slavery or payment to slave traders at that time. Section 5 pretty much speaks for its self. With support of legislation, Congress has the power enforce all said through this article.

  The final Amendment passed through the post Civil War was designed to guarantee that former slaves would retain their voting rights from any ban. The XV Amendment states "the right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied," continued in section 1 "on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude" (Divine, Robert A). This section was written to counter the suffrage laws being placed by southern states to discriminate any kind of groups. Loopholes were eventually found in this Amendment as well and states found ways to continue banning/preventing blacks from voting, even up to the 1960's.



Citations Used:


Divine, Robert A. "Appendix" America Past and Present. Upper Saddle River, NJ:


Pearson Education/Longman, 2011. A-12.