In January 31, 1865 the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment were passed and this changed the lives of most African American men and momen.To be an American means to be free. We are not under complete control over the power of anyone else. In January 31, 1865 the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment were passed this is when African Americans got the right to vote, African Americans couldn't be slaves by law anymore, and African Americans could be citizens of the U.S. So being an American means we are not under the control or in the power of another, and we are able to act or be done as one wishes, being released from captivity, confinement, or slavery, and the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without interruption, or restraint.

We are not under complete control over the power of anyone else, and we are able to act or be done as one wishes, we control what we do, that’s freedom.“granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, which included former slaves recently freed.”The 14th amendment is a great example of how this country is free because everyone has the right to be a citizen who lives here.