Why did it take almost 100 years to fulfill the promises of the Civil War amendments?

The promises of the Civil War amendments—specifically the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments—were not fully realized for nearly a century due to systemic racism, Jim Crow laws, and the establishment of discriminatory practices that undermined their intent. After the Reconstruction era, the federal government largely withdrew its support for African American rights, allowing Southern states to implement voter suppression tactics and segregation. Additionally, societal attitudes and economic structures perpetuated inequality, creating barriers to true equality and justice for African Americans. This prolonged struggle for civil rights continued until the mid-20th century, culminating in the Civil Rights Movement.