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Today in History: Fifteenth Amendment ratified, prohibiting race-based disenfranchisement

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 3, 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude. This amendment marked a significant step during the Reconstruction era, aimed at ensuring civil rights for newly freed African Americans, although many states later implemented measures to undermine these rights.

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Story summary

On February 3, 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude. This amendment marked a significant step during the Reconstruction era, aimed at ensuring civil rights for newly freed African Americans, although many states later implemented measures to undermine these rights.