The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on February 3, 1870. The amendment reads, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” The 15th Amendment guaranteed African-American men the right to vote. In addition, the right to vote could not be denied to anyone in the future based on a person’s race.

Although African-American men technically had their voting rights protected, in practice, this victory was short-lived. Local and state governments found ways to weaken the amendment to prevent African Americans from voting. Disenfranchisement is the word used to describe laws passed to prevent people from voting and obtaining rights other citizens have.



The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution

The United States' 15th Amendment made voting legal for African-American men. However, voting for them was almost nonexistent in some places, especially in the South, because of threats, violence, and unethical practices, like poll taxes. Here, people in Harlem, New York City, around 1954, wait to vote.


change made to a law or set of laws.


to take away certain rights, usually voting.


morals and behaviors deemed acceptable by society


important event or stage in development.


to formally approve or confirm.


(1865-1877) period during which the states formerly belonging to the Confederate States of America were transformed and integrated back into the United States following the Civil War.


slavery, bondage, or a condition in which one lacks the ability to make decisions for one’s self or determine one’s own way of life