In the immediate aftermath of the Civil War during Presidential Reconstruction, Southern states created Black Codes, which were designed to clarify the status of former slaves. Passed by all-white legislatures, the laws varied by state but they generally granted African Americans some rights&mdashl;they could marry, testify in court (sometimes only in cases involving other African Americans), travel without a pass, and own some types of property. More significant, the laws were designed to restrict African Americans’ freedom, secure cheap plantation labor, and maintain control of white supremacy. Former slaves were often denied the right to vote, serve on juries, carry weapons, and/or own land. In some cases, adult freedmen were forced to sign contracts with their employers who were oftentimes their previous owners. They paid low wages and forced African Americans to return to gang labor in the cotton fields. If any former slave tried to avoid the contract, they could be fined or arrested. The Black Codes, coupled with race riots and the election of former Confederates to Congress, spurred Congress to take over Reconstruction policy from the President. As a result, Congress passed the 14th and 15th amendments to protect African Americans, provide them citizenship, and grant them suffrage rights.For More Information:
“Black Codes.” History.com Editors, A&E Television Networks. Accessed 10 April 2018, https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes.