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African American Political Leaders — Reading Comprehension

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This passage examines the significant changes for African Americans in the United States during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War, focusing on their right to vote and hold political office. Students will analyze the causes, challenges, and impact of African Americans exercising political power, including the election of twenty-two Black congressmen. The passage is structured to develop historical thinking and ELA skills, includes a primary source quote, and explores multiple perspectives, complexities, and contradictions of the period. Activities include a glossary, timeline, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers, supporting deeper understanding and evidence-based analysis. This history reading passage is aligned with CA HSS 8.11.1, 8.11.3, and Common Core RI.6.3, RI.6.4, W.6.2, featuring both read aloud audio and Spanish translation, as well as a differentiated version for accessibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The first vote by Waud, Alfred R. (Alfred Rudolph), 1828-1891,
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

After the Civil War, the United States entered a period called Reconstruction. This was a time when the nation tried to rebuild from the conflict and address the rights of newly freed African Americans. A major challenge was how to create a society where everyone could participate equally. Before the war, African Americans were largely denied the right to vote or hold public office. However, the passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870 became a turning point. It stated that no citizen could be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This significant change in the Constitution opened opportunities for African American men to take part in the political process.

For the first time, African Americans began to vote in large numbers. They attended meetings, formed political organizations, and learned about the workings of government. In some Southern states, Black voters became a strong force. They worked together to elect candidates who supported equality and education. More than 2,000 African American men served in elected office during Reconstruction. They held positions from local government, such as city council and sheriff, to higher roles in state legislatures and even the United States Congress. Notably, Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce became the first Black U.S. Senators.

Despite these advances, African Americans faced serious obstacles. Many white Southerners resisted these changes. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan used violence and threats to prevent Black citizens from voting. New laws, called Black Codes and later Jim Crow laws, were created to restrict African American participation. Even so, African American leaders continued to push for representation and worked to protect their rights through legal and political means.

The presence of African Americans in government brought important changes. They supported public education, equal rights, and fairer legal systems. Schools were built for Black children, and laws were passed to protect civil rights. However, these gains were not permanent. By the late 1870s, federal troops withdrew from the South, and many protections were removed. Through disenfranchisement—the process of taking away voting rights—and other barriers, most African Americans were once again excluded from political life for many decades.

Nevertheless, the Reconstruction era showed that progress was possible, even in the face of opposition. The experience of voting and holding office gave African Americans valuable skills and a sense of political identity. Their courage and determination laid the foundation for future movements for equality, such as the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century.

Interesting Fact: Over 600 African Americans served in state legislatures during Reconstruction, and at least 16 served in the U.S. Congress between 1870 and 1877.

What was Reconstruction?

A period after the Civil WarThe start of the Civil WarA law about voting rightsA type of school

What did the 15th Amendment do?

Gave Black men the right to voteEnded the Civil WarBanned slavery in all statesCreated Jim Crow laws

Who were Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce?

First Black U.S. SenatorsLeaders of the Ku Klux KlanWriters of the ConstitutionCivil War generals

How did some white Southerners resist change?

By using violence and threatsBy building more schoolsBy supporting equal rightsBy voting for Black leaders

What did African American leaders support?

Public education and civil rightsSegregation and unfair lawsEnding all government jobsRemoving voting rights

Why did most African Americans lose voting rights after 1877?

Disenfranchisement and new barriersThey moved to the NorthThey stopped wanting to voteThe Civil War started again