A True Revolution? The constitutional and social developments between 1860 and 1877 caused many changes, but not all would be considered “revolutionary.” Many conditions changed, but besides this people made counter moves that ended up having no overall effect on people lives. However, many people ended up with slight differences in the way that they behaved. Slaves were freed, but because of black codes and other tricks they still lived as if they were enslaved. There were many governmental changes that took place during this time and they had many long-term effects. Although there were many constitutional and social developments during this period, not all would qualify as revolutionary. The most widely known developments were the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. Before these amendments, blacks were slaves and had no rights. Document C shows how blacks, even when free and fighting, did not even have the right to vote. However, by the power of the amendments, blacks were not only freed from their enslavement, but were also given Civil rights and the right to vote. This was a huge step for racial equality. In 1860 there were still four million slaves, and by 1877 no one was enslaved and all males technically had equality and were able to vote. Document G is a representation of how for the first time, blacks were allowed to cast votes and have a voice in the government. To some people like Senator Lot Morrill, from Document F, believed that Document G and the amendments were a revolution on a level never seen before. I agree that on paper these amendments were revolutionary, but when it came to there actually carrying out they were not as successful. Although technically blacks were freed from livery, anti-abolitionists and white supremacists found ways to counter them such as black’s codes and Jim Crow laws. These “counters” basically kept them in slavery just without the title of slave. Also, not all promises were kept for freedman. Document E is an example of this. It addresses how these freedmen were promised homesteads by the government and yet still have not received any. In the article, the petition sets forth the statement that, “… we are left in a more unpleasant condition than our former [slaver].” They were free, but still felt oppressed. Lastly, in response to the freedom granted blacks, many southerners join organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan and the White League to put down and scare
