How Did African Americans Fight For Equal Rights

Throughout the history of the United States African Americans were regarded as a source for free labor. Although, most Northerners would oppose the idea that African Americans can benefit the country. Those who argued against forced labor claimed that all men are created equal regardless of color. Also, freedmen hoped for equal rights and aspired to be compensated for all the damage done to them. However, white southerners hoped to maintain power and eventually overrule the freedman. Those in favor of slavery, claimed that Africans were too unstable and unfit for society. Nevertheless, although many Africans gained freedom, there would be a long road until equally among the whites and blacks would be met.
Reconstruction hoped to forever eliminate slavery and racism, however, southern white opposition made it hard to accomplish equality for all, eventually leading to long battle for equal rights. The Freedmen’s Bureau sought to help freed slaves, thus they hoped that African Americans …show more content…
Many white southerners hoped to maintain power and govern the so called “corrupt negroes.” For example, “It is found very difficult to disabuse the negroes of the false and exaggerated idea of freedom they have received” (Doc 1). The quote further reveals how white men were willing and wanting to deprive the African Americans of their freedom, claiming they have the wrong impression of “freedom.” Document 2 thoroughly gives a perspective of the free blacks, claiming they are lazy and corrupt, also questioning, “Can the freed negroes be made a useful and efficient peasantry?” The Documents also states that the negroes” don’t work “regularly or systematically”, further claiming that they should have “permits or passports” which will deny them from roaming the country. The mistrust and unwillingness to accept the African Americans proves that Reconstruction did not fully end