Problem: The Americans were given freedom and the right to vote, but it did not do the same for African Americans since they were not seen as equal, and many racists believed they should not get the same treatment as the white man. Many radical Republicans had disappointments with the new amendments. Charles Sumner stated, "Everywhere within the limits of the United States, and of each state or territory thereof, all persons are equal before the law so that no person can hold another as a slave" (Graber, 2012).