Simone Lawson
Mississippi's complicated history with slavery is well-documented. Despite the Thirteenth Amendment being adopted on December 6, 1865, outlawing slavery and involuntary servitude, Mississippi was one of three states that did not ratify the Amendment until the 1900s. In fact, it was the last state to do so, finally ratifying the abolition of slavery in 1995, a mere 130 years later.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of outlawing slavery | 7 February 2013 |
| Date of ratification of 13th Amendment | 16 March 1995 |
| Date of official noting of 13th Amendment in the US Constitution | 6 December 1865 |
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What You'll Learn
Mississippi's 1995 ratification of the 13th Amendment
Mississippi's ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1995 was a significant, albeit long-overdue, moment in the state's history, finally bringing it into formal compliance with the rest of the nation in formally abolishing slavery. The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, was adopted in 1865, in the aftermath of the American Civil War. While Mississippi had abolished slavery in its state constitution in 1865, it had never officially ratified the 13th Amendment at the federal level until the 1990s.
This unusual situation had come about due to a combination of historical factors. During the Reconstruction Era, Mississippi's initial ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865 was rejected by the federal government because the state had not yet been readmitted to the Union. In the following years, Mississippi took no further action to ratify the amendment, and the issue was largely forgotten or ignored. This oversight went unnoticed for over a century, as Mississippi operated under the assumption that it had, in fact, ratified the amendment along with the other states.
It was only in the mid-1990s that this mistake came to light. In 1995, a professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law discovered that the state had never officially ratified the 13th Amendment and brought this to the attention of state legislators. As a result, the Mississippi State Legislature quickly passed a resolution ratifying the 13th Amendment, and the governor signed it into law, officially completing the ratification process.
This event sparked a broader discussion about the legacy of slavery and racism in Mississippi and the United States as a whole. It served as a reminder of the complex and often troubled racial history of the country, and it prompted calls for further action to address ongoing racial inequalities and injustices. The ratification also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all states adhere to the same constitutional standards and underscored the need for vigilance in upholding the principles of equality and freedom enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
While Mississippi's delayed ratification of the 13th Amendment may have been a mere formality in legal terms, it carried symbolic weight and served as a catalyst for continued reflection and action toward a more just and equitable society. It stands as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the need for constant vigilance in safeguarding the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
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The 13th Amendment's outlawing of slavery
The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, passed on January 31, 1865, and ratified on December 6, 1865, abolished slavery and prohibited involuntary servitude in the United States and its territories. The amendment was a significant milestone in American history, guaranteeing freedom to those who had been enslaved and expanding civil rights for Americans.
The 13th Amendment states: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." This amendment ensured that slavery was outlawed across the nation, including in the Southern states that had previously seceded from the Union during the Civil War.
Prior to the 13th Amendment, President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that "all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." However, the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery nationwide as it only applied to areas of the Confederacy in rebellion and not to the "border states" that remained in the Union.
It is worth noting that Mississippi, a Southern state with a history of opposing the abolition of slavery, initially refused to ratify the 13th Amendment in 1865. It was only in 1995, nearly 130 years later, that Mississippi officially ratified the amendment, becoming the last of the eligible states to do so. This delay was attributed to an oversight that went unnoticed until academics began researching the implementation of the 13th Amendment after watching a film about President Lincoln's efforts.
The 13th Amendment, along with the 14th and 15th Amendments, are known as the trio of Civil War Amendments that transformed the nation and guaranteed the fundamental rights of Americans, particularly those who had been previously enslaved. These amendments continue to shape American society and serve as a reminder of the country's commitment to freedom and equality for all its citizens.
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Mississippi's failure to ratify in 1865
Mississippi was one of several Southern states that refused to ratify the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1865. The 13th Amendment, which officially abolished slavery, was ratified by three-quarters of the states in December 1865. However, Mississippi's state legislature voted against ratification on December 5, 1865, and the state did not officially ratify the amendment until March 16, 1995, almost 130 years later.
The delay in Mississippi's ratification of the 13th Amendment was due to a combination of factors, including the state's support for slavery and the passage of Black Codes. Even after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery at the federal level, many in Mississippi continued to support the institution of slavery and opposed measures to grant civil rights to African Americans.
In 1865, Mississippi passed a set of laws known as Black Codes, which were designed to regulate black behavior and impose social and economic control. While the Black Codes granted some rights to African Americans, such as the right to own property and make contracts, they also denied other fundamental rights. For example, the Black Codes required all freedmen to carry papers proving they had employment, and if they could not, they could be fined, arrested, or even re-enslaved. The Black Codes also prohibited freedmen from carrying firearms or other weapons and imposed restrictions on their movement and employment opportunities.
It was not until 1994 that the oversight of Mississippi's failure to ratify the 13th Amendment was discovered by a clerk in the Texas Legislature named Gregory Watson. He notified the Black members of the Mississippi legislature, who then drafted a resolution for the state to ratify the amendment. On March 16, 1995, the Mississippi legislature unanimously voted to ratify the 13th Amendment, and the necessary paperwork was filed with the federal register. However, due to another oversight, the ratification was not officially certified until February 7, 2013.
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The role of academics in uncovering the oversight
The role of academics in uncovering historical oversights and providing nuanced understandings of the past is essential. In the case of Mississippi and the abolition of slavery in its state constitution, academics play a crucial role in shedding light on this overlooked aspect of history. By scrutinizing primary sources, historical documents, and legal records, they can uncover the facts and present a more accurate narrative of the state's past.
Academic research is a meticulous process, and in this context, it involves delving into the specific laws, constitutional conventions, and political dynamics of Mississippi during the post-Civil War era. Historians and legal scholars would examine the minutes of constitutional conventions, legislative records, and contemporary newspaper reports to piece together the timeline of events and identify any discrepancies or oversights. This process requires a deep understanding of the historical context, an eye for detail, and a critical approach to interpreting sources.
In the case of Mississippi, it appears that an oversight occurred, or perhaps a deliberate omission, in the historical record regarding the abolition of slavery. Academics would approach this discovery by seeking to understand the reasons behind it and the implications it may have had on the state's history and the broader understanding of the post-Civil War South. They might explore questions such as: Were there political motivations for downplaying the abolition of slavery in the state constitution? How did this oversight shape the narrative of Mississippi's history, and what does it reveal about the complexities of Reconstruction?
The academic community's role extends beyond uncovering facts; it also involves interpreting and contextualizing them. In this case, scholars would provide insights into the social, political, and economic factors that influenced Mississippi's path to officially abolishing slavery. They might explore the state's unique position as the last stronghold of Confederate resistance, the complexities of Reconstruction policies, and the ongoing struggles for racial equality. By doing so, they offer a nuanced understanding of Mississippi's history, highlighting the interplay between legal changes, social realities, and power dynamics.
Additionally, academics contribute to public awareness and education by publishing their findings in books, academic journals, and popular media articles. They may also engage with the public through lectures, conferences, and community events, ensuring that their research reaches a wider audience. This aspect is crucial for promoting an accurate understanding of history and fostering critical thinking about the past, which can have implications for how we understand the present and shape the future.
Finally, the academic community's scrutiny of historical records and their commitment to uncovering the truth play a vital role in holding institutions and societies accountable for their past actions. By exposing oversights or deliberate erasures of history, academics contribute to a more honest and nuanced understanding of the past, which can inform present-day discussions about racial justice, equality, and the ongoing legacy of slavery in the United States.
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The 13th Amendment's unanimous ratification in 2013
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was ratified on December 6, 1865. The amendment was first approved by the U.S. Senate on April 8, 1864, and then by the House of Representatives on January 31, 1865. It was then submitted to the states for ratification, with Georgia becoming the 27th and final state needed for ratification on December 6, 1865.
However, it is important to note that Mississippi, one of the Southern states that refused to endorse the amendment, did not officially ratify it until March 16, 1995. This was due to an oversight where the required paperwork was never sent to the office of the federal register. The error was only corrected in 2013, when the bill was officially passed on February 7, making the 13th Amendment unanimously ratified by all 50 states.
The 13th Amendment represented a significant turning point in American history, as it not only abolished slavery but also permanently prohibited the reintroduction of slavery in the country. The amendment stated: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." This amendment was the first of three adopted during Reconstruction that transformed American society, government, and politics.
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Frequently asked questions
Mississippi officially ratified the 13th Amendment on February 7, 2013.
The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution abolishes slavery.
The 13th Amendment was officially adopted on December 6, 1865.
All 50 states have ratified the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution.
It took Mississippi so long to ratify the 13th Amendment due to an oversight that was only corrected after two academics embarked on research prompted by watching the film "Lincoln".
