Question

In a three-paragraph essay, explain how voting rights have changed since the end of the Civil War and how these changes have affected U.S. society. Your essay should address different groups' efforts to secure voting rights, as well as the policies responsible for expanding them.

Answer 1

Voting rights have changed dramatically from the end of the Civil War to modern day society. When the Civil War ended, only white males were allowed to vote in many elections. However, only 5 years after the Civil War ended, African-American men were granted the right to vote with the 15th amendment. Despite receiving this right, many African-Americans were limited in their ability to vote thanks to obstacles such as literacy tests and poll taxes.

These negatively impacted the African-American community and resulted in decreased participation in elections by African-Americans during the early 20th century. It was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that obstacles like poll taxes were made illegal.

Another group that fought for their right to vote was women. Women's suffragists started to develop during the middle of the 19th century. However, a women's ability to vote did not happen on a national scale until the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920

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