Why Did The South Put An End To Reconstruction?
The South resisted all attempts at Reconstruction at every turn in an attempt to keep slavery and undermine African American social, political and economic opportunities. Reconstruction (1865-1877) is the time in which former confederate states were re-entered into the Union. During this time, the South was divided into military districts, and occupied by Union soldiers. It was a period in which opportunities for former slaves were expanded, as well as a period of unrest and resistance from the South against these changes. Although it is unclear who truly put an end to Reconstruction, it is evident that the South did all it could to resist it and the changes it brought.
Due to the Civil War, around 4 million slaves were freed and rebuilding
the South through Reconstruction began. During this time, Andrew Johnson was the President and led the beginning of Reconstruction. In an effort to restore the Union as quickly as possible, he offered pardons and land to almost any Confederate who swore allegiance for the Union. He also required states to ratify the 13th Amendment in their constitution, therefore abolishing slavery. Although many Southerners took this opportunity and slavery was legally abolished, they still remained set in their old ways and attempted to preserve the institution of slavery. Johnson was an advocate to the abolishment of slavery, but he was not in favor of African American suffrage, making the fight for it that much more difficult. Reconstruction is marked by many failures such as the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan and racial violence in resistance to African American Rights. However, Reconstruction did lead to the establishment of public schools in the South, African American voting rights and citizenship, the improvement of Southern economy and infrastructure, and the restoration of the Union. While this time may have been one of resistance and anger, the outcome yielded many excellent results.
Due to the Civil War, around 4 million slaves were freed and rebuilding
the South through Reconstruction began. During this time, Andrew Johnson was the President and led the beginning of Reconstruction. In an effort to restore the Union as quickly as possible, he offered pardons and land to almost any Confederate who swore allegiance for the Union. He also required states to ratify the 13th Amendment in their constitution, therefore abolishing slavery. Although many Southerners took this opportunity and slavery was legally abolished, they still remained set in their old ways and attempted to preserve the institution of slavery. Johnson was an advocate to the abolishment of slavery, but he was not in favor of African American suffrage, making the fight for it that much more difficult. Reconstruction is marked by many failures such as the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan and racial violence in resistance to African American Rights. However, Reconstruction did lead to the establishment of public schools in the South, African American voting rights and citizenship, the improvement of Southern economy and infrastructure, and the restoration of the Union. While this time may have been one of resistance and anger, the outcome yielded many excellent results.