Securing Civil Rights: Freedmen, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Right to Bear Arms

This study explores the right to keep and bear arms and the incorporation of the Bill of Rights into the Fourteenth Amendment, examining the history of the recognition of the right of freedmen to keep and bear arms between 1866 and 1876.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Independent Institute,U.S.

This in-depth study delves into the fundamental right to possess and carry firearms, exploring the intricate process of integrating the Bill of Rights into the Fourteenth Amendment. By examining the historical context surrounding the recognition of the right of freedmen to bear arms between 1866 and 1876, this comprehensive volume sheds light on the remarkable degree to which American political society was willing to extend equal civil rights to all individuals, irrespective of their race or previous status as slaves.

The historical backdrop of the post-Civil War era is pivotal in understanding the evolution of the right to keep and bear arms. Following the abolition of slavery, a significant segment of the African American population faced discrimination and marginalization, including restrictions on their constitutional rights. However, the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868 marked a crucial milestone in the struggle for civil rights.

The Fourteenth Amendment explicitly states that all individuals born in the United States are entitled to equal protection under the law. This amendment paved the way for the recognition of the right of freedmen to keep and bear arms, as it recognized their inherent right to self-defense and personal liberty.

Despite the clear constitutional provision, the enforcement of the right to keep and bear arms for freedmen faced challenges. Many states enacted laws restricting the possession of firearms by African Americans, often based on racial stereotypes and fears of armed resistance. These laws were often overturned by federal courts, which recognized the right to bear arms as a fundamental civil liberty protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

The history of the recognition of the right of freedmen to keep and bear arms serves as a powerful testament to the enduring struggle for civil rights and equality in America. It highlights the resilience and determination of African Americans and their allies in the face of adversity, as they fought for the fundamental rights that are now universally recognized.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the right to keep and bear arms, exploring its historical context and its integration into the Fourteenth Amendment. It sheds light on the remarkable efforts of African Americans and their allies to secure equal civil rights and the ongoing struggle for gun control and safety in modern America.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781598133356
Edition number: Updated Edition