We are learning about reconstruction. Reconstruction was basically the rebuilding of the south after the Civil War. Post Civil War was very hard for both the North and the South. The North had to pay for and repair the South after the damage that was done. Also they had to deal with immigration of freed black slaves that wanted to live up north. In the south, everything was destroyed. Blacks were free but had no money. Former confederates had no rights, land, or money. Reconstruction was the end of slavery, but the beginning of a long journey for blacks, and former confederates.
With the end of the Civil war, Blacks now were free. Slavery was outlawed, and blacks thought it would be better. But little did they know it was just the start of a whole new hard chapter in their lives. Whites in the North did not want slavery. But they did not want blacks to live in their neighborhoods also. Segregation was mandatory, and blacks did not get treated as fair as whites. Also up north blacks had to fight with immigrants for jobs and housing. In the south blacks had curfews, and labor contracts. They also had to deal with KKK and white Camellia. There were riots and other violent movements geared toward blacks from whites. Blacks were hung, beaten, or treated very badly by racist people. Schools were burnt, just so that blacks couldn’t get an education. That’s how bad it was. Some even say it was worse than slavery.
Former confederates were also treated very badly. They had NO rights. NO money. NO land. They were removed from congress, and couldn’t vote. They were not considered citizens. Actually blacks had more rights than former confederates. That’s what caused a big tension between the two. In order for a southern to be pardoned they had to take an oath to the U.S. 13000 pardons were granted.
The 13th amendment abolished slavery; the 15th gave blacks the right to vote. But not confederates! The 15th amendment states that no state can take away some ones right to vote based on color, race ext. But if confederates weren’t considered citizens, they couldn’t vote.
I agree but disagree with how reconstruction was handled. Yes I think that blacks should be allowed to be citizens and vote. But former confederates should be allowed to also. Sure I think that it should be a little hard for former confederates to become citizen. They did rebel against their own country. But with the same aspect, they are still a part of the U.S. As long as they are willing to follow the new rules, they should be granted citizenship.
