13th Amendment

What were the black codes?

A set of state laws that allowed southern cops to arrest African Americans for pretty much any reason they could come up with including "Looking homeless."

What was the result of black codes?

African Americans were being arrested left and right, and being thrown back into slavery by the name of "Unpaid Labor."

Why was this important?

So that slaves could now be free to get paid jobs and more.

What was the 13th Amendment?

The law that banned any form of slavery in any place under the influence of the United States.

What did the south do when they discovered this loophole?

They introduced the black codes.

What was convict leasing?

When an African American was arrested from the black codes, they were put on trial and then given as a worker to a company. The company then rented the worker off to a smaller company for money. This was called "Convict Leasing."

Were there any loopholes in the amendment?

Yes, the south found out that the amendment said "Except as punishment of crime.."