Source A: Speech by a Radical Republican Leader

"The passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments marked a new beginning for equality and justice in America. The 13th abolished slavery, the 14th granted citizenship to all born in the U.S., and the 15th aimed to secure voting rights regardless of race. These amendments were essential to rebuilding a nation torn apart by civil war and centuries of inequality. They represented the federal government’s commitment to ensuring freedom and civil rights for all citizens, especially newly freed African Americans who faced immense challenges in asserting their rights. However, opposition from Southern states and some Northern groups threatened their full implementation, leading to ongoing struggles for racial equality. Despite these obstacles, the amendments laid the foundation for future civil rights efforts and marked a significant shift toward equality under the law."* Provenance: Frederick Johnson, 1875, speech delivered at the Republican National Convention.