RECONSTRUCTION (1865-1877)

Reconstruction (1865-1877)

Reconstruction (1865-1877)

Introduction

Reconstruction after the Civil War is the period following the Civil War from 1863 to 1877, which saw the destruction of the slave system of the Confederation, the return of the Southern states in the Union, and the failure of the integration of freed African Americans in the legal, political, economic, and social development in the old Southern States. Despite the lack of government efficiency and the failure of federal Reconstruction efforts, Americans staunchly embraced the democratic value of the common good. This benevolence toward community aid was a powerful impetus that propelled the voluntary and philanthropic movement. Initially, some foundations were created to provide a source of education for those emancipated from slavery. However, some preliminary foundation funds were created for the purpose of education of all, without distinction of race or creed. The chronological delineation shows the series of events during reconstruction.

A Noble Experiment or Failure

Some historians argue that the reconstruction was an abysmal failure. With the fall of the Radical Republican Party, the power of the white Democrats raised, that contributed to reduced equality for blacks. African Americans were barely affected by it; however, Lincoln's primary goal was carried out. Solidarity amongst the North and South was ultimately accomplished. Some historians, like William R. Brock says that the failure of reconstruction was that radical Republican ideals of racial equality were not shared by the majority of American society. Others dispute that only a small number of Republicans were wholly supportive of full racial equality. While both of these viewpoints are understandable, the only agreeable idea is that reconstruction was in fact, a failure. Yet a successful reconstruction would have been almost unachievable. Considering all of the chaos in the United States at the time, it was difficult to maintain the normal way of life, never mind trying to recreate a new one. Different problems like opposing perspectives did not help either.

Historical Legacy and Changes

After the Civil War, America entered an era of sheer pandemonium. After the long civil war, United States was lead into a more arduous reconstruction. Different beliefs and backgrounds became an obstacle along with opposing ideas upon what to do with this new country. New amendments to the constitution were necessary to ensure equality among all men. With all of these predicaments in the way, one could only wish for a success. Different opinions on what to do with the south made it difficult to agree on one solitary decision. Abraham Lincoln, whose main goal since the start of the War was to preserve the Union, had this idea of offering and forgiving all southerners who pledged an oath to the nation, excluding a few high ranking Confederate officers. He determined that when ten percent of a state's voters had taken the oath, Congress should readmit that state.

When Lincoln was assassinated and Johnson succeeded him, he had his own thoughts. He felt that each southern state should abolish slavery, repeal its ordinance of secession, and pay all of its war debts. Only then should the state be ...