The whole idea of Reconstruction was a very positive movement which intended to bring the South back together and unify the nation, as well as giving freedmen rights; however, in many situations, things are easier said than done, and the outcome can sometimes be better visualized in one’s mind compared to reality. Until the point that Reconstruction began, African Americans had no rights, and would have most likely remained slaves until someone were to change the ways that the population had grown accustomed to; which Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and other political leaders had done. Along with this positive aspect, the country was reunited and blacks were given rights to own land, vote, etc. The government accomplished what they intended
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There were absolutely no positive effects that came from the Black Codes as they also brought upon Jim Crow laws. In these Black Codes there was a give, but a bigger take. As discussed in the textbook For the Record by Shi and Mayer, they include 9 sections, all of which are using the same give and take system. For example, blacks could own land but not rent it out. They could legally marry their own kind but be deemed guilty of felony if they intermarry with a white person. Blacks weren’t allowed facing white people in the court of law, and blacks would have to sign contracts to perform labor for whites; however, if they broke this contract, they would have to forfeit all wages up to their quitting time. This also means that if they did not have the money to pay, they would have to pay off their debt through unpaid slavery (p. 5). The Black Codes made it nearly impossible for blacks to do anything without being arrested, forcing them to be sold back to slavery. These Black Codes would only lead to inspire Jim Crow laws. Jim Crow laws were racial segregation laws which would divide public places, schools, restrooms, restaurants, buses, and drinking fountains by the color of ones skin. Blacks always received the short end of the stick, especially when it came to education. These harsh laws remained in effect until
There were absolutely no positive effects that came from the Black Codes as they also brought upon Jim Crow laws. In these Black Codes there was a give, but a bigger take. As discussed in the textbook For the Record by Shi and Mayer, they include 9 sections, all of which are using the same give and take system. For example, blacks could own land but not rent it out. They could legally marry their own kind but be deemed guilty of felony if they intermarry with a white person. Blacks weren’t allowed facing white people in the court of law, and blacks would have to sign contracts to perform labor for whites; however, if they broke this contract, they would have to forfeit all wages up to their quitting time. This also means that if they did not have the money to pay, they would have to pay off their debt through unpaid slavery (p. 5). The Black Codes made it nearly impossible for blacks to do anything without being arrested, forcing them to be sold back to slavery. These Black Codes would only lead to inspire Jim Crow laws. Jim Crow laws were racial segregation laws which would divide public places, schools, restrooms, restaurants, buses, and drinking fountains by the color of ones skin. Blacks always received the short end of the stick, especially when it came to education. These harsh laws remained in effect until