The Social Effects Of Radical Reconstruction In America

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Radical Reconstruction in Americas’ South, from 1867 to 1877, was an impetus period that has shaped contemporary America. Social effects of radical Reconstruction were aimed primarily at the former African slaves and freedmen. This Reconstruction would go on to influence the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, thus allowing for a re-evaluation of the adequacy of the Reconstruction in dealing with former slaves. The Radical Reconstruction period, after the initial reconstruction, brought about political advantages. Radical Republicans sought to readmit the Southern States into the Union by introducing new legislation, allowing for Reconstruction of the South to progress quicker. Radical Republicans proposed the Civil Rights Act and an extension to the Freedmen’s Bureau, which President Andrew Johnson firmly denied through veto. By doing this, President Johnson outraged Northerners thus creating a Congress of primarily Republicans, who immediately enacted the Civil Rights Act and extended the Freedmen’s Bureau. Congress soon passed The Reconstruction Acts of 1867 as an approach of reforming the South. The Reconstruction Acts established Martial Law, outlined the requirements for the …show more content…

African American’s were given emancipation and the right to vote, and in some southern states, African Americans were elected into official positions. For these reasons, racial discrimination and white supremacy groups arose, out of fear and hatred for the newfound freedom of black Americans. Political success was effective in theory, though the social ramifications catalysed a greater effect that has shaped contemporary America. Radical reconstruction was successful in some aspects for the aforementioned reasons, though as the contemporary historian can infer, this reconstruction wasn’t as successful. The lack of mention of equality has led to it being a continuous issue in contemporary