Understanding the Black Codes

When were the Black Codes implemented?

• During the Civil War

• After the Civil War

• Before the Civil War

• During the Industrial Revolution

What was the purpose of the Black Codes?

• To promote racial equality

• To restrict the rights of African Americans

• To encourage economic independence

• To ensure social mobility

The Black Codes had several purposes, including maintaining a racial hierarchy, limiting the rights of African Americans, and ensuring a cheap labor force for plantation owners.

Who benefited the most from the Black Codes?

• Northern abolitionists
• Government officials
• African Americans
• Plantation owners

Vagrancy Laws: These laws targeted African Americans who were unemployed or unable to prove their employment. They allowed authorities to arrest and fine individuals for being unemployed, leading to a cycle of debt and forced labor.

How did Vagrancy laws affect homeless or jobless African Americans?

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Restrictions on Land Ownership: Some Black Codes limited African Americans' ability to own or lease land, making it difficult for them to establish economic independence.

Consider the law above. What might be an effect, or impact, of this law on job opportunities for African Americans? Hint: Where might they have to go back to work?

• Factories in the North
• Businesses owned by African Americans
• Plantations or farms owned by white landowners
• Government offices

What was the impact of the Black Codes on African Americans?

• Promoted racial equality

• Increased freedom and opportunities

• Unfairly supported racial inequality

• Ensured economic and social mobility

The Black Codes had a profound impact on the lives of African Americans, perpetuating a system of racial inequality and limiting their freedom and opportunities. These laws effectively re-established many aspects of slavery and denied African Americans their basic civil rights.

A cause of the Black Codes was the abolishment of slavery. Consider the underlined section, what was an intended result of the Black Codes?

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Which state had particularly harsh Black Codes?

• Mississippi

• New York

• California

• Texas

The Black Codes in Mississippi were particularly harsh. How many other states in the South of the US do you believe also wanted to see the rights of African Americans reduced/limited?

• None / Only Mississippi.

• 1-2 other states in the South.

• A few states in the South

• Many states in the South

What did the Black Codes restrict African Americans' access to?

• Public facilities

• Transportation

• Public spaces

• All of the above