To What Extent Was Reconstruction Successful

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Reconstruction came in many stages and was headed by many people, but was Reconstruction successful and did it reach all the goals that were originally set out to be achieved. There were many failures and many successes during the time of Reconstruction and even though Reconstruction was successful in the end throughout the time of Reconstruction there were many laws and societal standards that did not make Reconstruction successful. America faced many problems after the civil war, including the political re-entry of the formerly rebellious states, how to revive the economy of the South, and how to support the 4 million freed slaves. In the beginning of reconstruction, Lincoln believed it was his responsibility to solve these problems. He came up with the 10% plan; this plan entitled amnesty to the Confederates by taking an oath and if 10% or more took the oath than statehood would be re-established. This …show more content…

The government even tested African American citizens on the U.S. Constitution and laws so that they could have the ability to vote. Blacks had to pass this test to vote. It was purposely made hard so they would fail and be unable to vote (H). This is an example where Reconstruction failed because African Americans had finally earned the right to vote only for it to be taken away. Another example of where Reconstruction failed was when African American just after the Civil War did not have any talents therefore they become sharecroppers. Although working under a Boss is very similar to working for a master. African Americans never really got that freedom that the 13th amendment granted them (I). Lastly, an example of Reconstruction failing is when a social divide was created after Henry Adams’ made a statement before the Senate in 1880. Through this Blacks gained legal freedom but a backlash occurred when Whites stated that Blacks won’t want to obey the new

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