In what way was the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment a reflection of the historical context surrounding the late 19th century?
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A. It applied the Bill of Rights to the states at a time when most states recognized no individual rights for their citizens.
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B. It empowered state governments to deal with racial segregation at a time when Americans were extremely skeptical of increasing federal power.
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C. It guaranteed equal rights regardless of race at a time when former African American slaves were vulnerable to extreme discrimination.
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D. It sought to end racial segregation at a time when African Americans were beginning to launch a major civil rights movement.