officially abolished slavery in all areas of the United States%0D%0A%E2%80%8B%0D%0A%E2%80%8B%0D%0A granted African American men the right to vote%0D%0A%E2%80%8B%0D%0A%E2%80%8B%0D%0A granted African Americans in the United States citizenship
The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery in all areas of the United States. It states, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, granted African American men the right to vote. It states, "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 Civil Rights Act of 1866 granted African Americans in the United States citizenship and provided certain rights to protect them from discrimination. It states, "That all persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States."
These important pieces of legislation were vital steps in recognizing the rights and freedoms of African Americans and dismantling the institution of slavery. However, the struggle for full equality and civil rights for African Americans continued through the years and is an ongoing process.