The Benefits Of Reconstruction

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Reconstruction was a time of major change for African Americans. This included economic, social, and political progress. Reconstruction was beneficial to everyone, even though African Americans were the ones who benefitted the most. A public school system was established to give equal education to all children, no matter their age, race, or color. The Southern economy had to be rebuilt after the Civil War. An interracial democracy was introduced into politics. People have said Reconstruction is responsible for reuniting the United States. For the first time in our history, African Americans felt like they were wanted and had a purpose in the United States. Reason 1: 13th Amendment The 13th Amendment was passed in 1865. It states, “Neither slavery …show more content…

This amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”(Legal Information Institute) This means all people born in the United States are citizens of America and the state in which they were born. No laws can be made to cut the privileges of citizens based on race. Life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness cannot be taken without due process of law. An example is the case of Brown vs the Board of Education. This case went all the way to the Supreme Court. The ended with the segregation of schools being unconstitutional and discriminated against races. (Oyez-ITT) During this time period, on the other hand, racial groups that did not agree with this emerged. One example is the KKK emerged in 1865. They fought for white supremacy and believed blacks should not gain equal rights. Members would go on night rides and terrorized whoever they wanted during the quiet hours of the night. The Klan members wore white robes and hoods to hide their faces, but identify as a member. They caused a lot of violence and unrest, mostly to African Americans. As time progressed, the Klan has appeared in waves. They disappear for a while, but eventually show up again. They still have members today, but are becoming weaker. In the past, they have been known for tar-and-featherings, rape, and lynchings. (Southern Poverty Law

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