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Declaration of Independance
U.S. Constitution
Washington Elected President
Naturalization Act of 1790
Women's Rights Convention in NY
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
14th Amendment Passed
15th Amendment Passed
In 1775, the Declaration of Independence is written. At this time, only people who own land can vote. This basically covers only white male landowners over the age of 21.
When the Constitution is adopted,there is no standard for voting rights. States are given the power to regulate their own voting laws and in most cases, voting remains in thehands ofwealthywhite men.
When George Washington iselected president in 1788, only about 6% of the population is eligible to vote.
The 1790 Naturalization Law stated that only “free white” immigrants could become naturalized citizens. Citizenship was based on race and African Americans couldn't vote even if they were free.
Women’s Rights Convention was held in Seneca Falls, NY in 1847.The convention adopted a resolution called the 'Declaration of Sentiments' which called forvoting rights for women.
Citizenship is granted to Mexicans living in the territories conquered by the U.S. However, English language requirements and unlawful, violent intimidation continue to deny access to the vote for most Mexican-Americans.
After the 13th Amendment abolishes slavery in 1865, the 14th Amendment is passed in 1866 granting citizenship to African Americans. They are still denied the right to vote.
The 15th Amendment granted all men the right to vote regardless of race, color, or if they were formally slaves. Local laws and intimidation still disenfranchised Black voters.
Voting Rights in the U.S. - 1776-1869
“I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.”
All Men are Created Equal
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.
“The Declaration of Independence is not yet fully carried out, nor will it be, until…the Black man, as well as the white, is permitted to enjoy all the franchises pertaining to citizens of the United States of America.”
-William Howard Day , speech at the White House, July 4, 1865
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all menand womenare created equal.