It was nearly impossible for an ex-slave to own and farm his own land because whites were given first priority. since the freedmen did not have adequate resources and capital, they had to resort to sharecropping and tenant farming to be able to grow crops. many southern states passed "black codes" which limited african-american's civil rights and prevented blacks from owning their own businesses or traveling without a special permit. groups such as the ku klux klan used intimidation and violence to restore white supremacy and suppress black voting and civil rights. which is the best conclusion that can be drawn regarding the status of african-americans in the south in the late 1800's? a) african-americans made tremendous political, social, and economic advancements during the reconstruction era. b) passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the u. s. constitution guaranteed equal status and rights for all african-americans. c) the reconstruction policies enacted by the federal government were highly effective in african-american citizens transition to life after slavery. d) although african-americans had equal rights under federal law they were still economically, politically, and socially inferior to whites in the south during the reconstruction era.