15th Amendment

Dred Scott vs. Sanford

Jan 1, 1857

The supreme court ruled that if Americans of African descent, whether free or slave, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court. This was the start of change in America when African Americans realized they had no rights as humans in America.

President Lincoln

Mar 4, 1861

With the election of Abraham Lincoln, it opened the door for African Americans and allowed them to be shown a chance for freedom. Lincoln believed that African Americans should be free and slavery should be abolished.

Start of the Civil War

Apr 12, 1861

The start of the civil war was going to give African Americans freedom. Even though it took a while to get everything processed, it was the start of the 15th amendment.

The Union Wins

May 9, 1865

When the North won the Civil War, it showed that African Americans would one day be free.

Voting in the North

Jan 1, 1868

Before the amendment was passed, African Americans in 11 of the 21 Northern states did not allow blacks to vote after the civil war.

House of Representatives

Feb 25, 1869

House of Representatives passed the 15th Amendment by a 144 to 44 vote

Senate

Feb 26, 1869

The Senate passed the 15th amendment by a 39 to 13 vote

Override Dred Scott vs. Sandford

Mar 13, 1870

With the 15th amendment the Dred Scott vs. Sandford was overruled and slaves were given rights as Americans

African Americans receive the right to vote

Mar 13, 1870

The 15th amendment was formally adopted into the United States constitution, and gave African Americans the right to vote.

Discrimination of African Americans

Mar 14, 1870

Unfortunately African Americans would still receive harsh treatment and would even be given cruel and unusual punishment in order to vote. Many southern states would make ridiculous rules in order to keep African Americans from voting.