Success Of Reconstruction

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Long-Lasting Success of Reconstruction

Reconstruction was the period of time following the Civil War, which consisted of rebuilding the United States. It was one of the most controversial periods of time which lasted from 1865 to 1877. Within these years, the United States especially the south was left in ruins, however they also had success, such as passing of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments which each were placed to benefit African Americans. Also the Reconstruction Acts and Freedmen's Bureau were passed. Along with these successes, the south also faced several failures such as the passing of the black codes and the formation of the Klu Klux Klan. (Jones) With each success, a failure was close behind, but the Radical Republicans and …show more content…

Some people opposed reconstruction and attempted to get rid of it such as Andrew Johnson who was moved up to President after Abraham Lincoln was Assassinated. Johnson did not agree with reconstruction or laws passed to benefit former slaves such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. Johnson becoming president was a major setback for reconstruction because he lost the support for reconstruction which Lincoln had gained before his death. (McDevitt) Before Reconstruction, in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation, was passed which freed slaves in the south; this was the beginning of freeing slaves and giving them rights. In the beginning of reconstruction successful laws benefiting African Americans were passed, such as the Thirteenth Amendment which freed slaves across the nation and the Freedmen’s Bureau which provided food, housing, education, and medical assistance for African Americans. (pbs) Reconstruction continued to successfully progress after the passing of the Reconstruction Act of 1867; this act divided military districts and guaranteed more civil liberties and freedoms to former slaves. The Reconstruction Acts passed civil rights Amendments in the next few years, moving reconstruction into a positive direction. The Fourteenth Amendment was passed in 1868 and declared that all people born in the U.S are citizens of the United States no matter …show more content…

One of the biggest legacies of Reconstruction was the fight it gave African Americans. After Reconstruction,African Americans continued to fight for their freedom by starting movements for their civil rights. Many refused to be treated like foreigners; they boycotted laws that were forced upon them by white authority. One of the popular boycotts was the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was started up by Martin Luther King Jr. after an African American woman named Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving her seat up on the bus. This boycott was a social protest against racial segregation. This case was eventually taken to court and they ruled segregated buses as unconstitutional. Because King led this protest and several others, he was abused by whites and received several threats. His home was even bombed, but his determination for justice and equality pushed him forward to fight. (Vidette Features) Another big legacy was the Civil Rights Amendments. The passing of these amendments have had a lasting effect on not only African Americans, but also women. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments mark the beginning of equal rights and from them, other amendments have been passed to further the Civil rights of American citizens. Decades after these amendments, the 19th Amendment was passed, this granted all American women the right to vote. Another legacy that continues on today is the

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