Reconstruction (jan 1, 1863 – mar 31, 1877)

Description:

Following the Civil War, Lincoln and Congress resolved to rebuild the South in order to reintegrate it into the Union as well as protect the rights and well-being of newly freed slaves.

Causes:
-Union victory in the Civil War
-decimation of the South
-Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Confederacy

Historical Impact:
-13th amendment frees all slaves
-14th and 15th amendment protect rights of newly freed slaves
-Rebel states were forced to ratify 13th, 14th, 15th amendments
-Formation of Freedman's Bureau