Was Reconstruction A Success Or Failure Essay

847 Words4 Pages

After the American Civil War, the period of Reconstruction mainly took place in the Southern United States. This period, which spanned from 1865 to 1877, aimed to rebuild the destruction caused by the war and restore unity among the states and the people. As for Radical Republicans, this period also gave them a chance to grant civil rights to the freed African Americans. As a result, a vital goal of this period was for African Americans to gain social, political, and economic rights that had previously been opposed, and have these rights secured. While Reconstruction was a failure in granting African Americans equality, ultimately, Reconstruction was successful in granting African Americans political and economic equality. During the Reconstruction …show more content…

The contents of this drawing suggest that Reconstruction was a failure in the social equality state of Reconstruction for African Americans because people see the KKK doing all of these actions against African Americans recreating the fear that African Americans had while being enslaved. The KKK attempted to hinder African Americans from reaping the benefits of various opportunities. Like the schooling, housing, food, and other things the Freedmen's Bureau gave. By denying other necessities to newly freed African Americans, the KKK was effectively obstructing their progress, making social equality a failure. However, the United States Government was able to pass multiple bills that gave political rights and power to African Americans. Despite the ongoing struggle for social equality, African Americans were able to achieve remarkable feats with the political equality they were granted. One way African Americans were granted political equality was stated in the 14th Amendment. It says, “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 …show more content…

The 14th Amendment holds immense significance as it gives citizenship to every African American, securing their fundamental rights to life, liberty, and property. With it, the African American community would have the basic rights that every human being deserves, Without it, the African American community would be lacking the basic rights they had not been given many years before. Another way African Americans were granted political equality was stated in the 15th Amendment. It says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” (Document C). The 15th Amendment is of great significance in the United States as it granted African Americans the right to vote. This was a significant milestone as it allowed them to participate in decision-making and have a voice in the choices that affected their