The 14th amendment granted citizenship to everyone born in the U.S, including former slaves. It also says states aren't allowed to deny anyone life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This amendment was ratified on July 9th, 1868. The purpose was to make African Americans equal with others and giving them the same natural rights. It affected civil rights by expanding the rights of black people. The 14th amendment helps support equal rights by making former slaves citizens, which they were denied before, and giving them the rights they were supposed to have been granted at birth. This amendment was a big step for integration, considering just years before slaves were only considered 3/5 of a person.
"Primary Documents in American History." 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents of American History (Virtual Programs & Services, Library of Congress). The Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 03 June 2014.
"Primary Documents in American History." 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents of American History (Virtual Programs & Services, Library of Congress). The Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 03 June 2014.