Civil War

During the long-winded fight of the Civil War, Lincoln chose to emancipate the slaves. Previously weary of such an action because of his wishes to dissuade the cessation of the Southern states, Lincoln took a stand and turned the battle into one for morality and justice. After the Civil War ended, many people took up this mantle and established what has since been known as the Civil War amendments. The 13th, 15th, and 14th amendment remain as the only group of amendments to pass besides the Bill of Rights. In this light, it seems appropriate for the 14th amendment guaranteeing all the rights of the Bill of Rights to all individuals passed in a similar fashion.

* The thirteenth amendment effectually banned any type of slavery to continue in the United States. After perpetuating a horrific institution for far too long, slavery officially came to an end after a long overdue war for freedom. Similarly, the fifteenth amendment granted protections to all voters regardless of race. Taken together, these amendments offered a new light for former slaves, but also a long road before true equality would be achieved.

* Among the Civil War amendments, the 14th amendment stands as the most crucial. After defeating the Southern confederate army, the 14th amendment guaranteed that certain rights enjoyed by some would now be guaranteed for all regardless of the state.

* Under the incorporation doctrine of the 14th amendment, all national rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights would be extended to all individuals in all states. Eventually, all amendments would be incorporated under the 14th amendment.

* The due process clause of the 14th amendment would become the most crucial extension of individual rights since the Bill of Rights. All rights not enumerated in the Constitution, but are inferred by other distinctions have been seen to fall under the due process clause of the 14th amendment which disallows unequal treatment of law to different people.

* The 14th amendment has been seen to apply to things probably not considered by the original framers. For example, the equal protection clause has been see the ensure proper voter representation through the idea of one man one vote. States often would not apportion voter representation in this fashion and federal courts ruled this unconstitutional under the 14th amendment.

The Civil War amendments marked a huge step in American history. Although much progress was needed, it allowed later progress to occur. The 14th amendment allowed for later incorporation of certain freedoms and rights for more people.