Why were southern successful in using literacy test to keep African Americans from voting?

Answer 1

Most African American had not learned to read while they were slaves

Answer 2

Southern states were successful in using literacy tests to keep African Americans from voting because the tests were intentionally designed to be difficult and subjective. Many African Americans, especially those who had been denied access to education during slavery and reconstruction, were unable to pass these tests. Additionally, white officials who administered the tests often used their discretion to fail even literate African American individuals, further suppressing their voting rights. This systemic disenfranchisement was part of a broader effort to maintain white supremacy and control over political power in the South.