Former free slaves could face the heavy fines for being unemployed True False

True! After the Civil War, many Southern states implemented "Black Codes" that imposed strict regulations on former enslaved individuals. These laws aimed to control their labor and keep them dependent. One of the infamous regulations included hefty fines for Black individuals caught without a job, essentially criminalizing unemployment and forcing them into labor contracts that favored white landowners. This oppressive legislation contributed to systemic racism and economic struggles for African Americans long after slavery was abolished, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and discrimination in the post-war South. The repercussions of these laws extended far beyond the 19th century, influencing the socioeconomic landscape of the United States for generations.