Disenfranchisement Era (1870-1890)

The disenfranchisement era refers to the period in which there were deliberate attempts by the white league to roll back the progress achieved to liberate black people. The White League, as opposed to the emancipation proclamation, used different tactics to wrestle back political power from republicans. This is because republicans were widely in support of black people's freedoms, yet the white league was not. One of the tactics used to roll back the achievements was violence. The Coushatta Massacre is one of the violent events that occurred during the disenfranchisement period while trying to curtail Republican leadership. During the massacre in 1874, six republican officers, their family members, and twenty freedmen were executed. This indicated the extent to which the white supremacists were willing to try and ensure black people did not get their rights.(SHERROD, 2011)

African Americans were also intimidated directly. This is through the use of force or laws that could lock them out from enjoying the rights they had gained a few years back. A good example is that their freedom of movement was restricted. Laws that would also ensure black people would not vote because of the systemic and historical injustices were implemented. This would ensure they would not be represented in the political arena curtailing their ability to further fight for their wellbeing.

Another key event that took place during the disenfranchisement era was the battle in New Orleans. During the battle, a total of 5000 white leaguers and 3500 metropolitan police and state militia were involved. The White league wanted Governor William Pitt Kellogg to resign and have him replaced with McEnery who had lost in the 1872 disputed elections. The continued violence brought about by the White league also saw the brief control of the statehouse and city hall before the federal troops intervened and rushed them out.(Higginson, 2021).

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