Historically, Americans have faced struggle and innovation to get to where they are today. America has faced many issues ranging from slavery, the Tuskegee study, and the industrial age to the beginning of labor unions. However, individualistically Americans have not always been entitled to equal rights. Such equal rights should be afforded to every individual living in America. Fortunately, as time has passed, movements have emerged that have succeeded in granting individuals their civil rights. Such movements include: labor movement, civil rights movement, and human rights movement. Civil rights have not always been afforded to every person living in America. Before the Civil War, African Americans were brought from Africa to America and sold as property. African Americans were then enslaved by their owners. Making them work numerous hours a day without pay and with poor quality food. Those who did not obey their masters were then beaten and mistreated. Slaves often ran away, so owners placed signs and rewards for their slaves' return. Indecencies towards slaves lead Americans to seek civil rights for African Americans. However, it was only at the end of the Civil War that the 14th Amendment was introduced, which abolished slavery, and with this, African Americans gained some rights. The 14th Amendment provides that all individuals born or naturalized in the United States shall not be deprived of life, liberty, or property, or denied equal protection of the laws (14th Amendment n.d.). When the industrial age began to prosper in the United States people migrated from other countries in search of a better life. Therefore, eager immigrants were willing to work for a low wage. Some ended up working in slaughterhouses or mills... middle of paper... they were also placed to defend individuals from hardship/harm. All three movements seek equality and safety for all individuals, no matter who they are. While it has taken century after century for civil, human, and labor rights to meet people's needs, America still has a long way to go. Works cited "14th Amendment". LII/Institute of Legal Information. Np, nd Web. March 26, 2014. “Who We Are.” About the USPHS Syphilis Study. Np, nd Web. March 17, 2014. “Child Labor.” History.com. A&E and Web television networks. March 17, 2014. "Labor Movement." History.com. A&E and Web television networks. March 26. 2014. .