Reconstruction

Reconstruction refers to the period in United States history following the American Civil War (1865-1877), during which attempts were made to address the inequalities of slavery and its political, social, and economic legacy and to solve the problems arising from the readmission to the Union of the 11 states that had seceded.

Background

The American Civil War ended on April 9, 1865. The war had devastated the South and there were significant political, social, and economic challenges that needed to be addressed. The period following the war, known as Reconstruction, was marked by significant changes in the United States.

Political Changes

During Reconstruction, the United States Congress passed the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments abolished slavery, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and guaranteed that a citizen's right to vote would not be denied on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Social Changes

Reconstruction also brought about significant social changes. The Freedmen's Bureau was established to help former slaves transition to freedom and citizenship. Schools were established for African Americans and efforts were made to integrate society.

Economic Changes

The South's economy had been devastated by the war. Reconstruction policies aimed to rebuild the economy and infrastructure of the South. However, these policies were often met with resistance and the economic recovery of the South was slow.

End of Reconstruction

Reconstruction officially ended in 1877 with the Compromise of 1877. This compromise resulted in the federal government withdrawing troops from the South, effectively ending federal efforts to protect the rights of the newly freed slaves.

Legacy of Reconstruction

The legacy of Reconstruction is complex. While it brought about significant changes, many of the gains made by African Americans during this period were later rolled back during the Jim Crow era. The period is also marked by significant political and social conflict.