The abolition of slavery in the United States was undoubtedly a monumental event in American history. However, while slaves were technically granted their freedom, they were not truly free. Despite being legally emancipated, former slaves faced numerous obstacles and injustices that impeded their full integration into society. This essay will argue that free slaves were not truly free because they did not have full voting rights nor jury rights, they were segregated, and they had limited employment opportunities. One of the most significant ways in which free slaves were not truly free was their lack of voting rights and jury rights. Even after the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, which granted African American men the right to vote, many former slaves were still unable to exercise this right. Document A gives a vivid example of the places free black men could vote, in a graph it shows how Massachusetts was the only state that could tolerate the blacks and gave them rights. They could vote and have jury duty. If they were only allowed to do both in this state this shows the feelings people had against them and the restrictions …show more content…
Jim Crow laws in the southern states enforced segregation in public spaces such as schools, restaurants, and transportation. These laws also mandated the separation of blacks and whites in housing and employment. As a result, African Americans were forced to live in poor conditions with limited access to resources and opportunities. Document B asserts a quote discussing a white male point of view, it argues “...He shall be free to lice, and to thrive, but if he can, and to pay taxes and form duties; but he shall not be free to dine and drink at our board” This systemic segregation served as a reminder to African Americans that they were not fully accepted as members of society and were relegated to second-class