Source A: Text of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and the 15th aimed to secure voting rights regardless of race.

Provenance: Official constitutional texts ratified between 1865 and 1870.

Sources and Views:

Source B: Political factor: The Radical Republicans pushed for strict Reconstruction policies to protect freed slaves. Source C: Social factor: Many white Southerners resisted change, leading to social tensions. Source D: Economic factor: The Southern economy was devastated, requiring major economic reforms. Source E: Religious factor: Religious groups supported or opposed Reconstruction based on their beliefs about racial equality.

Provenance: Various historians' analyses of Reconstruction factors.

Source F: Historian view

'The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments laid the legal groundwork for civil rights, but their enforcement was inconsistent, and social change lagged behind.'

Provenance: Modern historian's analysis of Reconstruction's legacy.

Source G: Reflection

'The true significance of the Reconstruction Amendments lies in their lasting influence on American society and law, despite the challenges faced during their implementation.'

Provenance: Contemporary reflection on Reconstruction.