Question

in 1868, what was the most important reason to include the equal protection clause in the fourteenth amendment?
womens rights activists wanted equal protection.
african americans were not protected under the law.
southern whites were not protected under the law.
immigrants wanted equal protection.

Explanation:

The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified after the Civil War, primarily to address the systemic lack of legal protection for African Americans, who faced widespread discrimination and unequal treatment under laws in the post-war South, including Black Codes that restricted their rights. The equal protection clause was intended to remedy this injustice.

Answer:

B. African Americans were not protected under the law.