What did the 15th Amendment accomplish?

The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, was a significant milestone in American history as it specifically granted African American men the legal right to vote, ensuring that the right to vote could not be denied based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This was crucial following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, as it aimed to establish greater political equality. The amendment was a response to the systemic discrimination and disenfranchisement that African Americans faced, especially in the South, and it sought to protect their voting rights during a time when many Southern states implemented laws to suppress those rights.

The other choices represent important historical developments but are not related to the 15th Amendment. The abolition of slavery is associated with the 13th Amendment, the right to vote for women was later achieved through the 19th Amendment, and the establishment of income tax is tied to the 16th Amendment. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the broader context of civil rights in America.