history 3-2

Were the Slaves Really Free?

The constitutional amendments passed during Reconstruction vastly expanded former slaves’ rights and opportunities. At the same time, the Black Codes passed in most Southern towns, cities, and states curtailed those rights and opportunities. The tension between African Americans’ federal and local rights raises questions about the impact of Reconstruction on the freedom of former slaves. In this discussion forum, you will examine primary sources (below) including constitutional amendments, a Black Code, a personal account of a former slave, as well as the course materials from this week to answer the question:

Were African Americans free during Reconstruction?

However you decide to answer this question, be sure you have specific evidence (details or examples) from the primary sources and course materials to help support your argument.