Reconstruction Of African Americans From 1865 To 1860
Reconstruction was the era right after the Civil War. After the Union’s victory, the overall goal for the country was to rebuild the South and preserve the Union. The period between 1865 through 1877, created many questions as to whether African Americans were free or still enslaved. During reconstruction, some African Americans were free but others were still slaves.
Many African Americans were free during reconstruction. The 13 th Amendment specifically states, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude… shall exist in the United States.”
Considering the fact that the 13 th Amendment was ratified in 1865, it is illegal to participate in slavery because it was abolished. There were also two other amendments that were later passed to ensure