Reconstruction Era and Civil Rights

The Reconstruction era, a crucial period in American history economic growth development 1865 1975, brought about significant changes in civil rights and political power structures. This period saw the passage of landmark constitutional amendments and civil rights legislation, as well as resistance from Southern states.

Highlight: The 15th Amendment, passed in 1870, granted black males the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the fight for equality.

The era was characterized by the struggle between Radical Republicans, who sought to ensure rights for African Americans, and Southern resistance groups like the Ku Klux Klan. President Ulysses S. Grant supported civil rights acts but relied heavily on the presence of troops in the South to enforce them.

Example: The Radical Enforcement Acts of 1870-1871 were passed to support civil rights and protect black voters from intimidation and violence.

However, by 1876, Southern "Redeemers" had regained control of most ex-Confederate states, leading to a rollback of civil rights gains. This period also saw the introduction of discriminatory "Black Codes" and the rise of segregation.

Vocabulary: Redeemers - Southern political leaders who sought to regain control of their states and roll back the changes brought by Reconstruction.

The Freedmen's Bureau, established in 1865, played a crucial role in assisting former slaves with education, employment, and legal advice. However, its effectiveness was limited by President Andrew Johnson's opposition and eventual veto.

Definition: The Freedmen's Bureau was a government agency created to aid former slaves in their transition to freedom and provide various forms of assistance.

Presidential and Congressional Reconstruction

The transition from Presidential to Congressional Reconstruction marked a significant shift in the approach to rebuilding the South and ensuring rights for African Americans. This period is crucial for understanding the American history economic growth development 1865 1975.

President Andrew Johnson's lenient approach to Reconstruction, which allowed former Confederates to regain power quickly, was met with opposition from Radical Republicans in Congress. Johnson's policies undermined the status of African Americans and led to his impeachment in 1868.

Quote: "Johnson vetoed 74 acts, leading to him being impeached due to the Tenure of Office Act of 1867."

Congressional Reconstruction, led by Radical Republicans such as Thaddeus Stevens, took a more aggressive approach. They passed the Reconstruction Acts of 1867, which placed the South under military rule and required new state constitutions that ensured rights for African Americans.

Highlight: The Reconstruction Acts required 50% of the electorate to support reconstruction and swear they had not voluntarily aided the Confederacy.

This period also saw the passage of the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to all American-born individuals, and the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which aimed to guarantee equal rights in public accommodations.

Example: The 14th Amendment was a crucial piece of legislation that addressed citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.

However, the effectiveness of these measures was limited by the gradual withdrawal of federal troops from the South and the rise of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.