
01/02/2025
Reconstruction, a period following the Civil War from 1865 to 1877, aimed to rebuild the Southern United States and integrate millions of freed slaves into society.
It was marked by efforts to restore the Union, rebuild war-torn infrastructure, and address the social and economic challenges of newly emancipated African Americans. Federal initiatives, such as the Freedmen's Bureau, sought to provide education, housing, and employment opportunities for former slaves. Additionally, constitutional amendments, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and protected voting rights for African Americans. However, Reconstruction faced significant resistance from Southern states, leading to the rise of discriminatory practices like Black Codes and Jim Crow laws, which undermined progress and perpetuated racial inequality.