Characteristics Of A Successful Reconstruction

A Successful Reconstruction Imagine being a young African American male or a female, working everyday from sun-up till sundown while being disrespected, made fun of, and most of all, severely abused on a daily basis for no particular reason. That was the life of all African American slaves in the 1800s. When things could not possibly get any worse, somehow they did; the American people began to argue whether or not to expand slavery to the new states in the southwest. The result was the beginning of The Civil War (1861-1865). The Union ended up winning the war and plans for reconstruction began to develop. Although The Reconstruction following The Civil War was long, burdensome, and at times violent; overall it was more of a success than a failure. For example, three important laws/amendments were passed that later benefitted the American people, especially the African American community. The Reconstruction was mainly focused on allowing southern states back into the Union under several rules. The southerners did not like how the Reconstruction was shaping; however, it was starting to look better for the African American population. During the Reconstruction The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments were passed. The Thirteenth Amendment was introduced under Lincoln’s ten percent …show more content…
Yes it took twelve years, yes it was overwhelming at times, and yes it was violent/rebellious. However, there were important positives that came from that period of time. For example, as mentioned previously, three important amendments, (13th, 14th, 15th), and The Freedmen’s Bureau Law were passed during The Reconstruction. The impact was huge on the African American population in the South; not only they were being set free, but also they were beginning to be recognized as human beings who have rights. It was a slow process and much blood was shed, but the bigger picture shows The Reconstruction was a