Early Reconstruction (jan 1, 1870 – jan 1, 1879)

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Despite white resistance to reconstruction in the South, African Americans won a wide variety of elected positions. More than 600 black men were elected to state legislatures, and 16 held seats in Congress. African Americans also held rallies and organized meetings to discuss issues and choose candidates.

Most African Americans worked as share crop farmers by which they entered into tenant contracts with large landowners. Despite the unequal relationship between the land owner and the black farmer, many black families were able to achieve a modest form of financial independence.

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