The Black Codes

What were the Black Codes?

The Black Codes were a series of local laws which restricted the new freedoms of African Americans. They varied from state to state, but had the goal of keeping ex-slaves under the control of white people.

What sort of freedoms were restricted under the Black Codes?

The Black Codes differed by area, but typically they banned marriage between blacks and whites, stopped African Americans from testifying in court, and limited their ownership of property.

When were the Black Codes passed?

The Black Codes were enacted from 1866, and were in place for decades.