Period 7: Civil War and Reconstruction (jan 1, 1860 – jan 1, 1877)

Description:

Enduring Understanding: Radical Reconstruction responded to the failures of Presidential Reconstruction by passing laws and Constitutional amendments to protect African-Americans’ rights. Although this was initially successful and led to increased African-American political participation, Reconstruction eventually failed due to white supremacist violence, Southern resistance to Republican control, and Northern weariness with supervising the South.

To what extent was Reconstruction successful at rebuilding the United States?

Although the Reconstruction provided huge progress towards the unification of the union and confederates and made progress for the free rights of African American, it ultimately fell short and many African Americans could not fully reap the successes. Due to long-lasting contrasting beliefs on slavery, many in the south wanted to restore "white supremacy" so groups like the KKK and laws within the Black codes were established to refrain African Americans from making any headway. There was some progress where African Americans were benefitted through the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment and they were able to participate in politics, many were also given free education. However the KKK made the lives of African Americans miserable and poor. The most significant part was how reconstruction abruptly ended through the compromise of 1877 ultimately removing northern influence and power over the south. Democtrats and white supremists would rule over the south and make the lives of A-A unbearble.

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