Dbq Essay On The Period Of Reconstruction

The Civil War and the period of Reconstruction engendered significant political, social, and economic changes in American society, with many effects of these changes continuing to influence the United States in the twentieth century. Following the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and Congress were determined to rebuild and reunify the nation. Lincoln wanted to restore the United States by readmitting the southern states into the Union, as well as provide newly-freed African Americans with more rights and opportunities. The Reconstruction period aimed to improve life for all individuals, with an emphasis on African Americans. However, it had an opposite effect and adversely impacted the lives of many. As such, the period of Reconstruction

Constitution, following the end of the Civil War. It is evident that Lincoln desired the restoration of national unity, as well as the assurance of equal liberties to all people. Thus, on January 31, 1865, Congress ratified the Thirteen Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. Soon thereafter, Congress sanctioned the Fourteenth Amendment in July of 1868, defining the civil liberties and rights of all individuals in the United States. As written in Document one, the Fourteenth Amendment declared, “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law, which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…” The passing of this amendment was an essential step in the establishment of equal rights for former slaves. However, the Fifteenth Amendment, passed in February of 1870, greatly impacted the lives of African American men. It granted all male citizens, regardless of “race, color, or previous conditions of servitude,” the right to vote. Despite the passing of these three amendments, former slaves, nevertheless, were confronted with numerous political challenges. While acknowledged as citizens of the United States by law, African Americans were not considered equal to the white population, particularly in the southern states. Southerners were truly angered with the federal government and violently protested. Document three titled “Petition to the United States Congress,” was written by a concerned African American citizen. In his letter, he articulates his fears and concerns about the terrorizing actions of the Ku Klux Klan. He pleads with Congress to protect him and his fellow African Americans, as they may not be familiar with