Black Codes of 1865

The Black Codes of 1865 were laws enacted in the Southern United States following the Civil War, aimed at restricting the freedom of African Americans and ensuring their availability as a cheap labor force. These codes sought to maintain white supremacy and control over the newly freed population, often creating a system that mimicked slavery. Examples included laws that limited the right to vote, restricted property ownership, and imposed stringent labor contracts. The Black Codes were part of a broader effort to resist the social and economic changes brought about by the war and the abolition of slavery. Their implementation sparked outrage in the North and laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, as it became evident that true freedom and equality remained elusive for African Americans. Ultimately, the Black Codes highlighted the deep-seated racial tensions and the struggle for civil liberties in post-war American society.