In what way was the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment a reflection of the historical context surrounding the late 19th century? O A. It applied the Bill of Rights to the states at a time when most states recognized no individual rights for their citizens. O B. It empowered state governments to deal with racial segregation at a time when Americans were extremely skeptical of increasing federal power. O C. It guaranteed equal rights regardless of race at a time when former African American slaves were vulnerable to extreme discrimination. O D. It sought to end racial segregation at a time when African Americans were beginning to launch a major civil rights movement.