What amendment granted universal male suffrage regardless of color?

The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution is the amendment that specifically granted universal male suffrage regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Ratified in 1870, this amendment was a significant achievement during the Reconstruction Era, aimed at ensuring that African American men could exercise their right to vote following the Civil War. The language of the amendment explicitly prohibits the federal and state governments from denying or abridging the right to vote based on these characteristics.

This was a pivotal moment in U.S. history as it represented a step towards equality and civil rights, although various discriminatory practices continued to disenfranchise many African Americans even after its ratification. The impact of the 15th Amendment laid a foundation for future civil rights movements that sought to eliminate barriers to voting and further expand voting rights for all individuals.

In contrast, the other amendments listed do not pertain specifically to voting rights in terms of race or gender. The 14th Amendment primarily addresses citizenship and equal protection under the law. The 12th Amendment concerns the procedure for electing the President and Vice President. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery but did not directly address voting rights. Thus, the 15th Amendment stands uniquely as the legal