Chapter 22

Reconstruction... Written by Butch Leake (Narrated by Gary Davis) Copyright 2023

The Afro-American reconstruction era in the United States took place between 1865 and 1877, following the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation. The main objective was to rebuild and reunify the country after the war and to ensure that African Americans received equal rights and protection under the law.

Key Events:

- The Civil War: The Civil War between the Northern Union and the Southern Confederacy lasted from 1861 to 1865. The major reason for the war was the issue of slavery and the South's desire to maintain the institution. The Union's victory led to the end of the Civil War and the eventual emancipation of slaves.

- The Emancipation Proclamation: Issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were henceforth free. This marked a significant turning point in the Civil War and was a major victory for African Americans.

- The Reconstruction Acts of 1867: These acts were passed by Congress and aimed to rebuild the South and ensure that former slaves were granted equal rights and representation. They also allowed for the creation of new state governments that would protect the rights of African Americans.

Challenges Faced by African Americans:

Despite the progress made during the reconstruction era, African Americans still faced significant challenges and struggles. Many white Americans continued to discriminate against them, denying them access to education, employment, and political power. Some of the most significant challenges they faced during this time include:

- The rise of Jim Crow laws: These laws were passed in many Southern states and enforced segregation between blacks and whites. They created a separate and unequal society that disadvantaged African Americans and restricted their rights.

- The rise of the Ku Klux Klan: The KKK was a white supremacist organization that used violence and intimidation to maintain racial hierarchy in the South. Many African Americans were terrorized by their actions.

Progress and Advancements:

During the Reconstruction era, African Americans made significant progress towards greater equality and civil rights. Some of the key advancements made during this time include:

- The passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1866: This act declared that all persons born in the United States were citizens and entitled to equal rights under the law.

- The 15th Amendment: This amendment granted African American men the right to vote.

- The establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): HBCUs were established to provide education to African Americans who had been denied access to formal education.

Sources:

- "Reconstruction." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2010

- Foner, Eric. "Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877," Harper Collins Publishers, 2014.

- "Jim Crow Laws." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2010

- "Ku Klux Klan." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009.