What did the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution accomplish?

• A. It granted women the right to vote
• B. It abolished slavery
• C. It granted African American men the right to vote
• D. It established income tax

Answer: (C)

The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1870, specifically aimed to secure voting rights for African American men by prohibiting the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude." This significant amendment was a crucial outcome of the Reconstruction Era, reflecting the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice following the Civil War.

By ensuring that African American men could participate in the electoral process, the amendment was a landmark step towards equality and inclusion in American civic life. It laid the foundation for future civil rights advancements, even though the reality of voting rights for African Americans would continue to face significant hurdles for decades, including discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes.

In contrast, the other options address different historical contexts. The amendment granting women the right to vote came later with the 19th Amendment in 1920. The abolition of slavery was achieved through the 13th Amendment in 1865. Lastly, the establishment of income tax occurred with the 16th Amendment in 1913. Thus, the selection of the 15th Amendment as primarily granting African American men voting rights is accurate and highlights its role in American history