\After the Civil War ended and the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, the United States entered a period of reconstruction. This time period lasted from 1865 to 1877. Slavery was abolished, meaning that there were millions of new citizens looking for jobs, housing, and education. During the Reconstruction Era, former slaves were given rights as citizens and gained representation in the government. They could legally vote (if they were male), move between the states, and receive an education. Overall, African Americans were free during Reconstruction because of the amendments to the Bill of Rights, their representation in the federal government, and their access to education.
With the fall of slavery, the United States gained roughly four
With the fall of slavery, the United States gained roughly four