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African American Equal Rights

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Equal Rights for Some
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted into the system, giving freedom that may have never been intended. This document specifically affected blacks. One effect was the emancipation of slaves, which gave blacks their freedom. Although blacks tried to get equal rights into the new constitution, there has been several alterations which extended from the freedom of slaves to the egalitarianism amongst men and women. The position of slavery was involved in the drafting of the document. The declaration contained an evident undertake of liberty and equality that was discontented for African-Americans prior to the Civil War and was only moderately rewarded after. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the declaration …show more content…
The 13th Amendment stated by the federal government that blacks were guaranteed the right of citizenship, overruling the Dred Scott case. The 13th Amendment help abolish slavery in the United Sates, including involuntary servitude. Before the 13th amendment, slaves were sold, mistreated, abused discriminated etc. With the new law passed, they were sought to be as equal as the white man. This Amendment expanded the idea of the Emancipation Proclamation throughout the nation to prevent and illegalize slavery. Martin Thayer spoke for his fellow antislavery advocates when he asserted, “We have wiped away the black spot from our bright shield and surely God will bless us for it.” Every person was equal before the law so no person can hold another person as a slave because each person is at the same level as the other person. No one is higher or lower. Since the 13th was approved by the House and Senate, when people heard the previous quote from Martin, the House broke out in cheers; the Blacks in the audience were moved by the reaction of the whites surrounding them. The 14th Amendment states that, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction

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