jan 1, 1855 - Conneticut introduced The Literacy Test This was introduced while Slavery was still alive and well. Slaves were not allowed to read or write meaning many freed Blacks either did not know how to read or write or were far behind white citizens. On top of that the questions were not simple questions that only depended on your ability to read and write. They were incredibly difficult questions about the US, obscure laws, numbers, etc.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1855
Now
~ 170 years ago