African Americans reacted with joy when the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified. For the first time, African-American men across the country were legally permitted to vote. It was a significant step in the journey toward racial equality. The amendment was ratified in 1870 as the United States struggled to recover from the Civil War. The war had hampered unity, ruined the economy, and killed or injured well over one million people. On March 31, 1870, Thomas Mundy cast his ballot for school board in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, becoming the first African American to vote. Do It! The law _________ their rights. Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected A bypassed B reinforced C affirmed D diminished