After the Civil War, America was going through a “Reconstruction” period. African Americans were free now but they had to adjust to a new way of living. Because many people did not accept the abolishment of slavery, it was difficult for African Americans to be free. During the reconstruction era, African Americans were free by law, but no resources and racism kept African Americans in slavery.
African Americans were still slaves because it was difficult for African Americans to make a living without having to depend on white people. African Americans were not educated like white people were; most blacks did not know how to read or write which was a big disadvantage for African Americans’ ability to provide for himself