What were Black Codes?

Black Codes were restrictive laws enacted in Southern states after the Civil War, aimed primarily at controlling the labor and behavior of freed African Americans. These laws sought to maintain the social and economic hierarchy that existed prior to the war by imposing regulations that limited the rights and liberties of freedmen. For instance, Black Codes often included provisions that restricted African Americans from voting, serving on juries, or holding certain types of jobs. This was a clear attempt to re-establish a system of racial subordination in the post-war South, despite the legal end of slavery.

Understanding this context illustrates how Black Codes were not protective; rather, they were a means for Southern states to circumvent the advancements made during the Reconstruction era aimed at ensuring civil rights for African Americans. The correct answer highlights the oppressive nature of these laws, reflecting the ongoing struggle for civil rights during this transformative period in American history.