How Did African Americans Build The Civil Rights Bill Of 1866

Before 1866, President Andrew Johnson created the Reconstruction Policy, encouraging southern states to pledge loyalty to the Union and maintain abolition. Despite this policy, southern states created laws limiting Black rights, such as restricted labor rights and property rights. (American History) Republicans believed that federal governments should give Blacks greater protection under the law. Republican Lyman Trumball shared the same beliefs, and on January 5th created the Civil Rights Bill of 1866. Although the Civil Rights Bill of 1866 did not address voting and office holding rights, the bill granted all people of America—no matter the race—basic citizenship and specific rights enjoyed by White citizens, thereby carrying out the nation’s commitment to the
(Ballotpedia) By allowing Blacks to become citizens, the bill challenged the racism prevalent at the time, especially after Blacks were just freed from slavery. Blacks became considered as native inhabitants of their nation, and in doing so, Blacks immediately became more acknowledged in society because they were granted citizenship. Not only did the bill grant citizenship to everyone, but it also granted specific rights to citizens that were given to Whites. The bill states that citizens have the right "to make and enforce contracts.to sue, be parties, and give evidence [in court].to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, and convey real and personal property" (American History). Furthermore, citizens are subject to the same benefits of laws and protection as Whites. (Ballotpedia) These new rights given to Blacks during the reconstruction period strengthened the idea of justice and equality. They now have more freedom and independence to act in America. Before emancipation of slavery in the Civil War, Blacks were not eligible to hold property nor did they have any of these new privileges because they were