Day 12: The Three-Fifths Compromise—a Dark Chapter in U.S. History

The Three-Fifths Compromise, established in 1787, revealed how deeply slavery was embedded in the foundations of the United States. This agreement counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes. While it bolstered the political power of slaveholding states, it denied enslaved people any rights or acknowledgment of their humanity.

At its core, this compromise was a negotiation between Northern and Southern states. The South, reliant on slavery, sought to count enslaved individuals fully to gain more congressional seats, while the North resisted to prevent an imbalance of power. The “three-fifths” formula became the unsettling middle ground, prioritizing politics over justice.

The Impact on Black Communities

For enslaved Black people, the Three-Fifths Compromise symbolized utter disenfranchisement. Their existence was used to increase Southern influence in Congress, yet they were denied the basic rights of citizenship. This disproportionate power allowed the South to block anti-slavery efforts and pass laws that perpetuated the institution of slavery, further entrenching systemic oppression.

The compromise’s effects rippled far beyond its repeal, contributing to systemic inequalities that endured long after slavery was abolished, shaping the nation’s history and future.

Why Does This Matter Today?

The Three-Fifths Compromise reminds us that the U.S. Constitution once prioritized the interests of slaveholders over justice and equality. Its legacy persists in systemic racism, economic disparities, and ongoing struggles for equity. Understanding this history is crucial to addressing the structural inequalities still present in American society.

History isn’t just about the past—it’s about how the choices made then continue to shape our world today.