D267 U.S. History Stories of an American Democracy Task 2 - SOCIAL
ACTIVISM AND THE EXPANSION OF VOTING RIGHTS Reading
Notes Western Governors University
,Task 2 - SOCIAL ACTIVISM
AND THE EXPANSION OF
VOTING RIGHTS
A1-3
Section 3, Lesson 2.1 Reconstruction
Debates Immediate Changes of
Reconstruction
Political Inclusion - black men gained voting rights and held
office
Legal protection- amendments abolished slavery
and granted citizenship and civil rights
Social advancements - establishment of public
education and integration of public institutions
Drawbacks of Reconstruction
Resistance and violence - opposition from southern
whites through intimidation and violence
, Incomplete reforms- economic and social disparities
persisted despite legal changes
Federal withdrawal - northern support waned, leading to the
end of Reconstruction efforts in the south
Section 3, Lesson 2.2: Congressional Debates Regarding the 15th
Amendment Opinions of the 15th Amendment
Supporters viewed it as crucial for Reconstruction and as a
recognition of Black menʼs wartime contributions
Opponents worried about federal power over state rights
and believed Black Americans were not ready for full
citizenship
Major sticking points for congressmen
Rights scope debate over explicitly guaranteeing vs.
prohibiting voting discrimination
States authority concerns over federal vs state control of
voting laws and racial policies
Public sentiment pressure from constituents shaped
decisions, with varying support for racial equality
Meaning of Freedom to Americans
Supporters equality under the law, including voting
rights and protections from discrimination
Opponents preservation of state autonomy and resistance
to federal interference
Overall the 15th amendment signaled a shift towards inclusive
freedom, challenging
Section 3, Lesson 2.3: Gender, Race, and the 15th
Amendment Why did the abolitionist and womenʼs rights
movements clash?
Priority conflict - disagreements over whether to prioritize
Black male suffrage or universal suffrage
, Strategic differences- divergence on tactics and
alliances during Reconstruction
Racial tensions - instances of racism within the
womenʼs suffrage movement caused division
In what ways were they connected?
Shared goals: both sought equality and political rights for
marginalized groups
Collaborative History - womenʼs rights activists were
integral to the abolitionist movement
Organizational overlap: The formation of the American Equal
Rights Association (AERA) highlighted their alliance
How did Black women fit into these arguments?
Intersectional challenges - faced dual discrimination based
on race and gender
Activism advocated w/in their communities and organizations
despite limited political recognition
Leadership figures like Frances Harper navigated tensions
between white suffragists and racial justice
ANSWER TO QUESTIONS
During the Reconstruction era in the United States, social movements
played a pivotal role in shaping the debate and eventual
ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, which aimed to extend
voting rights to Black men. One key argument in support of the
Fifteenth Amendment centered on the principle of racial equality
and justice. Advocates argued that enfranchising Black men was
essential to fulfill the promise of freedom and citizenship
guaranteed by the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. They
contended that denying voting rights based on race contradicted
the foundational ideals of democracy and equality upon which the
nation was founded. Additionally, supporters pointed to the
contributions of Black Americans during the Civil War and viewed
suffrage as a means to empower and integrate them fully into
American political life.
ACTIVISM AND THE EXPANSION OF VOTING RIGHTS Reading
Notes Western Governors University
,Task 2 - SOCIAL ACTIVISM
AND THE EXPANSION OF
VOTING RIGHTS
A1-3
Section 3, Lesson 2.1 Reconstruction
Debates Immediate Changes of
Reconstruction
Political Inclusion - black men gained voting rights and held
office
Legal protection- amendments abolished slavery
and granted citizenship and civil rights
Social advancements - establishment of public
education and integration of public institutions
Drawbacks of Reconstruction
Resistance and violence - opposition from southern
whites through intimidation and violence
, Incomplete reforms- economic and social disparities
persisted despite legal changes
Federal withdrawal - northern support waned, leading to the
end of Reconstruction efforts in the south
Section 3, Lesson 2.2: Congressional Debates Regarding the 15th
Amendment Opinions of the 15th Amendment
Supporters viewed it as crucial for Reconstruction and as a
recognition of Black menʼs wartime contributions
Opponents worried about federal power over state rights
and believed Black Americans were not ready for full
citizenship
Major sticking points for congressmen
Rights scope debate over explicitly guaranteeing vs.
prohibiting voting discrimination
States authority concerns over federal vs state control of
voting laws and racial policies
Public sentiment pressure from constituents shaped
decisions, with varying support for racial equality
Meaning of Freedom to Americans
Supporters equality under the law, including voting
rights and protections from discrimination
Opponents preservation of state autonomy and resistance
to federal interference
Overall the 15th amendment signaled a shift towards inclusive
freedom, challenging
Section 3, Lesson 2.3: Gender, Race, and the 15th
Amendment Why did the abolitionist and womenʼs rights
movements clash?
Priority conflict - disagreements over whether to prioritize
Black male suffrage or universal suffrage
, Strategic differences- divergence on tactics and
alliances during Reconstruction
Racial tensions - instances of racism within the
womenʼs suffrage movement caused division
In what ways were they connected?
Shared goals: both sought equality and political rights for
marginalized groups
Collaborative History - womenʼs rights activists were
integral to the abolitionist movement
Organizational overlap: The formation of the American Equal
Rights Association (AERA) highlighted their alliance
How did Black women fit into these arguments?
Intersectional challenges - faced dual discrimination based
on race and gender
Activism advocated w/in their communities and organizations
despite limited political recognition
Leadership figures like Frances Harper navigated tensions
between white suffragists and racial justice
ANSWER TO QUESTIONS
During the Reconstruction era in the United States, social movements
played a pivotal role in shaping the debate and eventual
ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, which aimed to extend
voting rights to Black men. One key argument in support of the
Fifteenth Amendment centered on the principle of racial equality
and justice. Advocates argued that enfranchising Black men was
essential to fulfill the promise of freedom and citizenship
guaranteed by the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. They
contended that denying voting rights based on race contradicted
the foundational ideals of democracy and equality upon which the
nation was founded. Additionally, supporters pointed to the
contributions of Black Americans during the Civil War and viewed
suffrage as a means to empower and integrate them fully into
American political life.
