What was a consequence of the Black Codes passed by Southern legislatures after the Civil War?

The consequence of the Black Codes, which were restrictive laws enacted by Southern legislatures in the aftermath of the Civil War, was that they provoked a harsher Congressional response. These codes aimed to maintain white supremacy and control over the newly freed African American population by limiting their rights and freedoms. In reaction to the blatant attempt to re-establish a system akin to slavery, Congress took significant steps to counteract these laws.

This response included the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the establishment of the Reconstruction Act, which aimed to protect the rights of freedmen and ensure their integration into society as full citizens. The backlash against the Black Codes highlighted the deep tensions between the Southern states and the federal government's commitment to civil rights during the Reconstruction era. By forcing Congress to act decisively, the Black Codes ultimately contributed to a more extensive federal intervention in Southern affairs than might have occurred otherwise. This dynamic set the stage for ongoing conflict over race relations in the United States.