Reconstruction was intended bring about political, social, and economic changes for both the North and the South, as well as create unity (Brundage, n.d.). The plans for reconstruction included restoring the Union, transforming the South, and implementing laws, which supported freed slaves. The Civil War may have resulted from political reasons, but slavery was always at the core of the worst internal war in history (Foner, n.d.). Congressional reconstruction implemented the Thirteenth (free), Fourteenth (citizenship), and Fifteenth (right to vote) amendments, as well as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to grant and protect the civil and legal rights of former slaves. Some deem the Congressional reconstruction as a way of preventing the white
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Of course, since free labor was enacted and they were no longer under the control of slave masters, they were able to legally marry, and choose where and who would work (Digital History, 2003). For example, women could stay home and tend to their families and children could attend school. The Freedmen’s Bureau helped freed men and women find jobs, provide food and medical care, built schools as well as help with securing land; unfortunately, it was eventually ended due to lack of funding and support (History.com, 2010). Another benefit was the opportunity to serve in political roles.
The reconstruction was unfinished because it did not accomplish what it was intended to accomplish. There was never a unity because of the South’s opposition. Initially, military troops were placed in the south to punish them and make them do what they were supposed to do (US History, 2017). However, the Compromise of 1877 resulted in the withdrawal of the troops. The Republicans stopped fighting for equality and equal rights. Ultimately, blacks were never given equality.
Of course, since free labor was enacted and they were no longer under the control of slave masters, they were able to legally marry, and choose where and who would work (Digital History, 2003). For example, women could stay home and tend to their families and children could attend school. The Freedmen’s Bureau helped freed men and women find jobs, provide food and medical care, built schools as well as help with securing land; unfortunately, it was eventually ended due to lack of funding and support (History.com, 2010). Another benefit was the opportunity to serve in political roles.
The reconstruction was unfinished because it did not accomplish what it was intended to accomplish. There was never a unity because of the South’s opposition. Initially, military troops were placed in the south to punish them and make them do what they were supposed to do (US History, 2017). However, the Compromise of 1877 resulted in the withdrawal of the troops. The Republicans stopped fighting for equality and equal rights. Ultimately, blacks were never given equality.