Answer:
True.
Step-by-step explanation:
The victory of the Union in the Civil War extended civil rights to millions of former slaves. But before this period although some northern states allowed blacks, right to vote it was still difficult to find office holders among them. Situation changed during the reconstruction period when the blacks get equal rights under the law and many climbed the ladder to hold political offices. But it should be noted here that they were still struggling against the discriminatory practices which withhold them to take active participation in political affairs.