Question

Southern state and local elections in 1876 differed from those in previous years in that

A) women were allowed to vote for the first time.
B) African-American candidates won numerous local and state offices.
C) Republican party candidates were soundly defeated by the Democrats.
D) citizens were finally able to vote in the U.S. Presidential election.

Answer 1

B) African-American candidates won numerous local and state offices.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B) African-American candidates won numerous local and state offices.

The ability for African-American men to vote became a reality after the passing of the 15th amendment. This amendment, passed in 1870, changed the political landscape in the South. Since African-American men had the right to vote, they could elect fellow African-American men into office. They took advantage of this opportunity, which resulted in a significant change in local and state governments in the South during Reconstruction.