Mississippi becomes ninth state re-admitted to US after Civil War.

On February 17, 1870, a significant event took place in the history of the United States – Mississippi became the ninth state to be re-admitted to the Union after the Civil War. This pivotal moment marked a crucial step in the restoration of the United States following a deeply divisive and destructive period in its history.

The state of Mississippi had seceded from the Union in 1861, joining the Confederate States of America in their fight against the federal government. However, after the Confederate defeat in 1865, the process of re-admittance began for the Southern states. Mississippi’s re-entry into the Union was a significant milestone, demonstrating the country’s commitment to healing and unity.

Re-admittance to the Union was not an automatic process for the Southern states. The Reconstruction Era, which began immediately after the Civil War, required these states to meet specific conditions set by Congress before they could regain full representation in the federal government. These conditions included ratifying the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, as well as the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States.

Mississippi faced significant challenges in meeting these requirements. The deep scars of the war and the entrenched racial divisions made the process of re-admission more complicated. Additionally, the state grappled with the issue of enfranchisement, as African Americans sought to assert their newfound rights to vote and participate in political processes.

Nevertheless, on February 17, 1870, Mississippi successfully ratified the 15th Amendment, which prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This marked a crucial turning point in Mississippi’s path towards re-entry into the Union. With the amendment’s ratification, African Americans could legally exercise their right to vote, challenging the deep-rooted racial discrimination that had plagued the state for centuries.

The re-admission of Mississippi to the Union signaled an important shift in the country’s history. It showed a commitment to the principles of equality and justice for all citizens, regardless of their race or background. However, it is important to acknowledge that the process of Reconstruction was far from perfect, and the rights granted to African Americans were often met with resistance and suppression.

Mississippi’s re-admission also had a profound impact on the political landscape of the United States. With the state’s representation restored in Congress, Southerners had a voice in shaping the country’s future. Their perspectives and experiences played a significant role in shaping national policies and legislation, particularly those related to race relations and civil rights.

The re-admittance of Mississippi to the Union on February 17, 1870, was undoubtedly a significant event in American history. It represented a critical step in the healing and reconciliation of a divided nation, highlighting the country’s commitment to equality and justice. However, it also signaled the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards true racial equality, as the struggles for civil rights persisted for decades to come.

Today, we can look back on this event as a turning point in American history, a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead. Mississippi’s re-admission to the Union serves as a testament to the resilience of the American people and their ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.