The Black Codes
The Black Codes were a series of laws created by President Andrew Johnson and passed by the government of numerous Southern states in the United States after the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865 and 1866. These laws were created to prohibit freed black slaves from gaining social, legal and economic rights equivalent to those of white men and had the intent of limiting African Americans’
freedom.
The Black Codes had a very negative impact on the daily lives of slaves as well as their well-being for they were seen as property not people. African American slaves were not taught how to read or write but if so, children were sent to a school that was only for black children that had fewer educational opportunities as white children, and were not permitted to marry a white person. They were taught to be obedient in several punishing ways such as whipping, branding and imprisonment performed by their owners and if they violated their curfew, they would face these consequences. Slaves also had very few legal rights such as not being allowed to testify for a person of their own race in court cases, not being allowed to vote or take part in legal processes and were not authorised to buy firearms. They could not own property or rent a home and if a slave were to express themselves or speak about anything that was regarded as a threat to white society, it was seen as a criminal act and as a result of this, slaves had to pay a heavy fine. They were allowed to sue in court but could also be sued and could not serve on the jury.
The Black Codes both positively and negatively made an impact on the history of slavery in the United States. These codes allowed limited freedom and rights to slaves that were prohibited during slavery such as marriage and being able to sue in court. Although this freedom was better than slavery, it was not enough and no where near equal to the freedom and rights that white people had, as the Black Codes were increasing and becoming more harsher. Northerners recognised the laws as an attempt by the Southerners to maintain slavery and dehumanise African Americans. As a result of this, new elections were held and free black men were allowed to vote alongside poor white men as the government overturned all the Black Codes. The 14th Amendment in 1868 ensured black Americans equal rights and protection as well as the reassurance that the Black Codes could not be brought back. Therefore, due to the creation of the Black Codes, black Americans had the opportunity to vote and more importantly got the equality they deserved.
"An Act to Establish and Regulate the Domestic Relations of Persons of Color..." or the Black Codes of South Carolina, December 1865
Constitutional Convention (1865). Constitution of 1865.
The Black Codes had a very negative impact on the daily lives of slaves as well as their well-being for they were seen as property not people. African American slaves were not taught how to read or write but if so, children were sent to a school that was only for black children that had fewer educational opportunities as white children, and were not permitted to marry a white person. They were taught to be obedient in several punishing ways such as whipping, branding and imprisonment performed by their owners and if they violated their curfew, they would face these consequences. Slaves also had very few legal rights such as not being allowed to testify for a person of their own race in court cases, not being allowed to vote or take part in legal processes and were not authorised to buy firearms. They could not own property or rent a home and if a slave were to express themselves or speak about anything that was regarded as a threat to white society, it was seen as a criminal act and as a result of this, slaves had to pay a heavy fine. They were allowed to sue in court but could also be sued and could not serve on the jury.
The Black Codes both positively and negatively made an impact on the history of slavery in the United States. These codes allowed limited freedom and rights to slaves that were prohibited during slavery such as marriage and being able to sue in court. Although this freedom was better than slavery, it was not enough and no where near equal to the freedom and rights that white people had, as the Black Codes were increasing and becoming more harsher. Northerners recognised the laws as an attempt by the Southerners to maintain slavery and dehumanise African Americans. As a result of this, new elections were held and free black men were allowed to vote alongside poor white men as the government overturned all the Black Codes. The 14th Amendment in 1868 ensured black Americans equal rights and protection as well as the reassurance that the Black Codes could not be brought back. Therefore, due to the creation of the Black Codes, black Americans had the opportunity to vote and more importantly got the equality they deserved.
"An Act to Establish and Regulate the Domestic Relations of Persons of Color..." or the Black Codes of South Carolina, December 1865
Constitutional Convention (1865). Constitution of 1865.