The Impact of Partisan Politics on the Adoption of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments

It is a familiar refrain in today's political discourse: “What party is responsible for the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments? Are the Democrats or the GOP to be credited?” Contrary to popular belief, the reality of history is more complex than a simplistic partisan attribution.

Historical Context and Political Revisionism

As a media historian, I observe with disappointment the tendency of political parties to revise history to suit their current policy positions. This is often done without due consideration of the actual events as recorded in newspapers and historical records. For instance, Republicans are frequently hailed as champions of equality, especially concerning the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. However, this perspective is overly simplistic.

To understand the true nature of the historical narrative, one must delve into the original accounts of the time. Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats both held views that align with modern Republican ideology. Conversely, many Republican leaders, while advocating against slavery and supporting black suffrage, often did not promote integration.

Complexities of Party Alignment

According to historical records and newspaper accounts, Republican presidents of the 1860s and 1900s were often criticized for not enforcing the laws meant to combat the KKK. Even black leaders of the time complained that Republicans were more about rhetoric than action. This reflects a deeper reality: there were no unequivocal 'good guys' or 'bad guys' in this historical narrative.

While many Southern Democrats were indeed overt racists, Republican politics in the North and Midwest were not immune to subtle, nuanced forms of racism. Citizens of both parties varied widely in their views, with some displaying courage and integrity but often at great personal cost.

For example, Abraham Lincoln, while a strong opponent of slavery, was conflicted about the social equality of black people. Many politicians, regardless of party, mainly focused on re-election rather than championing racial equality.

Evolution of Partisan Roles

The roles of the two major parties have evolved significantly over time. In the late 1800s, Southern Democrats were the overtly racist party, while Republicans in the North and Midwest did not necessarily advocate for full integration. Conversely, white Southern Republicans in the modern era often long for the past when societal roles were firmly defined.

Pres. Lyndon Johnson, championing the Civil Rights Act, predicted that Southern Democrats would no longer vote for Democrats once the legislation passed. This prediction came true, leading to today's political landscape where Southern whites predominantly vote for Republicans.

Despite the changes in party names, the tendency to blame the opposite party for societal ills remains. Historians argue that a more collaborative approach between both parties focused on combating racism could help in achieving a more positive future.

Conclusion

The narrative of who can claim credit for the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments is far more nuanced than a simple partisan attribution. A deeper understanding of the historical context reveals a landscape populated by individuals with varying degrees of commitment to racial equality. Ultimately, a more collaborative approach between political parties could drive significant progress in reducing racism and fostering community integration.