Introduction
Reconstruction is one of the most significant events in the history of the United States of America. It introduced a significant number of changes that affected the lives of Southerners, black and white, rich and poor. Reconstruction greatly affected the lives of Southern Americans by providing freedom, the right to vote, and other social, economic, and educational benefits, but it also caused frustration from the white population.
Description of Reconstruction
First, gaining awareness of what this period was like is necessary. Reconstruction is called the period after the American Civil War, from 1865 to 1877. The civil war itself brought a significant number of changes and transformations, but the measures taken after its end are of particular value. The main reason for the military clash in the country was “the effort to reintegrate Southern states from the Confederacy and 4 million newly freed people into the United States” (Reconstruction). President Andrew Johnson made a significant contribution to the lives of formerly enslaved African Americans by passing the Land Return Act, which the Union Army had recognized.
Changes Brought by Reconstruction
Summary
The Reconstruction period in the United States brought significant changes in the lives of Southern people. Hence, the same government of Andrew Johnson decided in the 13th Constitutional Amendment the abolition of slavery, and the southern states were given the opportunity to rebuild themselves (Reconstruction). Moreover, Reconstruction gave previously enslaved people the right to participate in the political sphere through the opportunity to vote and have a voice in the government.
However, this period also had negative consequences for this category of citizens. Thus, the granting of so many rights and freedoms to the black population has led to numerous dissatisfactions and protests from the white population. This was due to their sense of limitation due to the expansion of the rights of African Americans.
Positive Changes
Reconstruction also brought many positive aspects that transformed the lives of the poor population of the Southern territories. Henceforth, in addition to the 13th Amendment, the 14th and 15th Amendments also had special significance. Thus, the 14th Constitutional Amendment contributed to the expansion of the concept of citizenship for these segments of the population. This change “granted ‘equal protection’ of the Constitution to formerly enslaved people before they could rejoin the Union” (History). The 15th Amendment emphasized that individuals cannot be deprived of the right to vote in elections regardless of their race, color, or previous condition of servitude. These innovations contributed to improving the living conditions of African Americans, giving them political rights and the opportunity to conduct business and own private property.
It is also worth noting that the reconstruction period gave a significant impetus to the development of such areas as public and educational. This is due to the fact that the southern residents of the country had the opportunity to open their own educational institutions, which increased the level of education and contributed to the reduction of the poor population. In addition, research stated that “during Reconstruction, institutional foundations of the modern black community in the South were laid, including independent black churches and a growing number of black landowners, businessmen, clergymen, and teachers” (The Significance of Reconstruction).
Moreover, the government has adopted acts to provide equitable taxation legislation. Regarding the public sphere, measures have been introduced to reduce discrimination among the population of southern states. Legislation has been introduced against racial discrimination in public transport.
Negative Changes
When considering the negative consequences of nineteenth-century Reconstruction in the United States of America, attention should be paid to Jim Crow laws. This legislation has become a driving force to strengthen racial segregation in the southern states. Research indicated that “Jim Crow codes were established to ensure the permanent second-class citizenship of Black Americans and to reinforce the central tenets of White Supremacy radically” (Loynes 332). Therefore, this measure limited the rights previously granted to Southerners to political, social, and economic life on an equal basis with other racial groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Reconstruction in the United States has had both positive and negative consequences for the lives of Southern people, both black and white, wealthy and poor. This period brought many benefits for African Americans who gained the right to vote, own a business, own property, get an education, and participate equally in society. However, for the white and wealthy population, these changes have become more hostile and caused a large number of discontent and protests due to the expansion of the rights and freedoms of southern black communities.
Works Cited
Loynes, Sr., Duane T. “Chapter 44 Jim Crow”. Encyclopedia of Critical Whiteness Studies in Education. Brill, 2020.
“Reconstruction.” History. 2023. Web.
“The Significance of Reconstruction.” Digital History, 2021. Web.