This proclamation was enacted in 1863 but was not regulated in states that the federal government did not have jurisdiction over. Although slavery was prohibited during that time, it was not until 1865 that the 13th amendment was ratified to officially prohibit slavery throughout the United States. Soon after, black codes were enacted in the South which discriminated and limited the rights of free slaves. These codes were a result of the anger of white southerners who opposed the abolishment of slavery. Black codes were primarily enforced to ensure that freed slaves were kept in subservient roles. For example, African Americans were forced to sign labor contracts with white landowners. According to the Constitutional Rights Foundation, men, women, and children were required to "reside on the employer's property, remain quiet and orderly, work from sunup to sunset except on Sundays, and not leave the premises or receive visitors without the master's permission.". These contracts were merely reflections of the usual tasks that slaves completed, despite the fact that these workers were no longer enslaved. Therefore, the 14th amendment was proposed in order to ensure that the states gave former slaves full citizenship and their valuable, concomitant rights. The 14th amendment was a response to the black codes (McClain and Tauber 133). .
Jim Crow laws enforced segregation throughout the southern states of the United States. Streetcars, restaurants, and even water fountains were separated usually with signs indicating which race could use which facility. Although both races preferred to be around their own races according to The African American Odyssey by Darlene Clark Hine, the facilities were definitely not equal in quality and features. The phrase "separate but equal" was put into full effect during this time according to the government, however African Americans did not find that these laws were fair.
