Final answer:
Jim Crow laws were a set of laws in the United States that legalized discrimination against African Americans. They included poll taxes, literacy tests, and segregation laws, which disenfranchised African Americans by limiting their voting rights and enforcing racial segregation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jim Crow laws were a set of laws enforced in the United States from the late 1800s until 1965 that legalized discrimination based on race. These laws targeted African Americans, disenfranchising them and limiting their access to education, voting, and public facilities. Three distinct Jim Crow laws that were particularly impactful were poll taxes, literacy tests, and segregation laws.
- Poll taxes: These were special fees that had to be paid before voting. Many African Americans couldn't afford to pay the tax, effectively excluding them from the polls.
- Literacy tests: Voters were required to pass a test demonstrating a minimum standard of knowledge. These tests were designed to be more difficult for African Americans, keeping them from voting.
- Segregation laws: These laws enforced racial segregation in all aspects of life, including schools, public buildings, transportation, and water fountains. Facilities for African Americans were almost always inferior.