History as Prologue

Tag: reconstruction

  • 40 Acres and a Mule

    40 Acres and a Mule

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    by

    Mark Thomas
    in , ,

    It was on this date in 1865 when General William T. Sherman issued Special Field Order #15. The phrase, “40 acres and a mule” has become permanently tied to this wartime occupation order. Sherman issued the order after consultation with Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, the latter having met with a group of prominent…

  • 14th Amendment Ratified on this Date

    14th Amendment Ratified on this Date

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    by

    Mark Thomas
    in ,

    The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution are collectively known as the reconstruction amendments. Of these, the 14th Amendment ratified on this date in 1868, continues to sustain the impact of the 13th which outlawed slavery and provides a robust framework for the enforcement of the 15th Amendment. Most consequential to passage…