1. the fundamental distinction, found in most species of animals and plants, based on the type of gametes produced by the individual; also the category to which the individual fits on the basis of that criterion. Called also gender. See also gender identity and gender role.
Underground Railroad. For black slaves in America, the road to freedom was a long and difficult one. The Underground Railroad was, of course, not a railroad at all. It was simply a network of Americans, both black and white, dedicated to destroying the institution of slavery by helping individual slaves escape to freedom.
These three amendments worked together to provide former slaves with equality and freedom thus changing the course of history forever. During its time, the main purpose of the 14th Amendment was to ensure that the Civil Rights Act passed in 1866 was upheld.