How did conditions differ for African Americans before and after the Civil War?

Life was very hard before the war. They worked long hours in the fields, and lived in small cabins. The women would have to work all day in the fields beside the men, and then go home and do all the cooking, cleaning, and washing. children were looked after by grandparents or older brothers and sisters until they were old enough to work. Families could be broken up at any time if their owners decided to sell a husband or wife, or their children.

After the Civil War, the ones who had been slaves were free. However, in the southern states, legislation was passed to restrict the rights of black people so that, for instance, although they were legally entitled to vote, it was made practicallyimposssible for them to do so in many states by the so-called 'literacy laws' and by threats, intimidation etc.