State Historical Society of Iowa

"The Fifteenth Amendment," 1870

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Print shows a parade surrounded by portraits and vignettes of Black life, illustrating rights granted by the 15th amendment.
Courtesy of Library of Congress, Kelly, Thomas, "The Fifteenth Amendment," 1870

Description 

This print shows a parade surrounded by portraits and vignettes of African-American life, illustrating rights granted by the 15th Amendment. 

Transcription of "The Fifteenth Amendment"

Source-Dependent Questions

  • The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1870, states that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." Refer to the portrait of Governor Stone as well as Alexander Clark's speech at the "Colored Convention" and note the year Iowa allowed all men over 21 years of age to vote. Why might Iowa have made this decision ahead of the passing of the 15th Amendment?
  • How would having an African-American representative in the legislature impact African-American citizens?
  • Read the other items listed at the bottom of the illustration. How is education liberating? Why might the artist have included that and the other items in this source?

Citation Information

Kelly, Thomas, "The Fifteenth Amendment," 1870. Courtesy of Library of Congress