Tidbit Tuesday: 15th Amendment

How familiar are you with the U.S. Constitution? How about the Bill of Rights? The other amendments? There is so much history to the United States, teachers must have a tough time trying to present the vast amount of information to students.

My current work-in-progress, Dinah’s Dilemma, takes place in the American west during 1870. Life was vastly different one hundred and fifty years ago. Electricity had been invented by that time, but it wouldn’t be until 1882 that parts of Manhattan saw electricity introduced in houses. Gas light and candles would remain popular for another fifty years. Inventions during 1870 included the bee smoker, the rotary can opener, and the feather duster.

More importantly, that year also saw a great change with the passage of the 15^th Amendment. Ratified on February 3^rd, the law states that 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.”

Having been freed by the 13^th Amendment and granted citizenship by the 14^th Amendment, African Americans men must have been thrilled to receive the privilege of the right to vote. (Remember, women of any color were unable to vote until the 19^th Amendment was passed in 1920) Unfortunately, poll taxes, literacy tests, and “grandfather clauses” that excluded anyone whose ancestors hadn’t voted in the 1860s were just a few of the ways used to disenfranchise the men. Social and economic segregation added to the problem.

Not until the Voting Act of 1965, passed in March of that year, would deterrents to exercising the right to vote be abolished.

What was the first election during which you were old enough to vote?

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Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. Her latest release, Under Cover, features WWII war correspondent, Ruth Brown. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is also a trustee for her local public library. She was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Now located in central New Hampshire, Linda’s favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors. Visit her website where she blogs about history, mystery, and faith. Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free short story. You can also connect with Linda on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.