Essay Equality and Citizenship - 1021 Words

At the end of the Civil war, the Union was faced with rebuilding a war torn nation. The North and South were no longer at war but their differing views on government, race, and individual rights created a deep divide in the country. The war brought freedom to 3.5 million former slaves but also for many women. (Gillon Matson p.571) With men at war or not returning from the war, women possessed a new level of independence. Blacks and women wanted to be treated fair; they wanted their voices to have relevance in the shaping America. Most of all they wanted equality and citizenship. Many ex-slaves struggled to reposition themselves in this new free country. They found it challenging to move beyond farming or working on the†¦show more content†¦(Gillon p.580) During the period of Reconstruction, the movement for women’s rights resurfaced. Deriving knowledge gained from the antislavery movement and the appeal for black suffrage women demanded enfranchisement. Advocates for both Black and Women’s rights originally worked together since both sides were fighting for â€Å"equal citizen rights†. However, as the cry for black suffrage overwhelmed the nation, women’s rights were pushed aside. Political advocates felt that it was necessary to handle each group separately and black suffrage was the most pressing issue. In 1866 to 1870 the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments were passed and ratified. (Gillon p.577) The Amendments were met with jubilation from the Ex-Slaves and their advocates, but divided the women rights movement for generations to come. (Gillon p.581) The Fourteenth Amendment defined American citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law. (Gillon p.577) A key objective of the Fourteenth Amendment was to ensure that blacks were treated justly in the Southern states. (Gillon p.577) However, the Amendment did not enfranchise black men. While, the Fourteenth Amendment declared fairness to all citizens, it also defined â€Å"citizens† as â€Å"male†. Which signified the Constitution would no longer be gender-blind, but would disfranchise women. (Buescher p.1) The Fifteenth AmendmentShow MoreRelatedWe Must Define Nation First1293 Words   |  6 Pagesand willingly at times and unconsciously and unwillingly at other times. Some political thinkers maintain that the state is the most important concern of modern political theory. Concepts that we study in the political theory- rights, democracy, equality, liberty are based on the relationship between state and those living within it. Opinion of Aristotle says that â€Å"The state is an organization consisting of some families and villages. Woodraw Wilson, a political analyst, believes that State is aRead MoreCanada s Protection Of Its Rights1392 Words   |  6 Pagesamendment to its Citizenship Act in the form of Bill C-24, or the â€Å"Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act†. 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