How did the black codes impact African-Americans during the era of reconstruction?
The codes established equality for African-Americans
The codes guaranteed access to education and jobs for freedmen
The codes limited the political and economic power of Freedmen
The codes expanded protections of newly freed African-Americans
The black codes had a negative impact on African-Americans during the era of Reconstruction. These laws were put in place by Southern states to restrict the freedom and opportunities of newly freed African-Americans. The black codes limited the political and economic power of freedmen by imposing restrictions on their ability to own property, conduct business, and move freely. They also enforced harsh labor contracts and limited the rights of African-Americans to testify in court or serve on juries.
Overall, the black codes were designed to maintain the social and economic hierarchy of the pre-Civil War South and to ensure that African-Americans remained subordinate to whites. These discriminatory laws perpetuated a system of racial segregation and oppression that lasted for many years after the end of Reconstruction.