What was a main objective of the Reconstruction Amendments?

The main objective of the Reconstruction Amendments—specifically the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments—was to abolish slavery and expand citizenship rights. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, officially ended slavery in the United States, ensuring that no person could be enslaved and that their freedom was legally protected. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people, thereby affirmatively stating that all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law. The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, aimed to protect the right to vote for all men, regardless of race or color, further solidifying the political rights of former enslaved individuals.

The focus of these amendments was on rectifying the injustices of slavery and ensuring that newly freed individuals were granted equal rights and protections as citizens. By addressing these fundamental issues, the Reconstruction Amendments sought to create a more inclusive and equal society in the aftermath of the Civil War. The other options, while they may pertain to broader historical themes, do not capture the specific intent and impact of the Reconstruction Amendments.