Military Reconstruction Act Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Military Reconstruction Act?

The Military Reconstruction Act was a series of laws passed in the United States during radical reconstruction, from 1867 to 1877. The laws were enacted by Congress in response to the Southern states’ refusal to ratify the 14th Amendment or accept African-American civil rights. These acts sought to establish military governments in those states and create new state governments loyal to the Union. They also provided for federal oversight of elections and civil rights protection for African Americans.The first Military Reconstruction Act was passed in March 1867 and divided 10 former Confederate states into five military districts, each under the control of a Union general who would be responsible for maintaining order and enforcing new state constitutions that recognized African-American civil rights. All adult males were given the right to vote regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude. The act also provided for universal male suffrage as long as certain conditions were met, such as literacy tests or property requirements. However, this act did not guarantee equal treatment for African Americans or prevent discrimination against them in housing, jobs or education. The second Military Reconstruction Act was passed on July 19th 1868 and further expanded upon the first one by requiring that all Confederate leaders take an oath of loyalty before they could regain their political power at home and making it more difficult for them to gain office due to disqualification if they had supported secession during the Civil War. This act also established a Freedmen’s Bureau which would work towards providing education and economic opportunities for freed slaves after emancipation as well as provide legal assistance with marriage contracts/divorce proceedings/estate transfers etc. Lastly, this act further protected black voting rights by granting federal supervision over all elections taking place within these states so that any attempts at voter suppression could be prevented efficiently through investigations conducted by federal troops on duty throughout these districts when needed Overall, the Military Reconstruction Acts had a significant impact on both politics and society during this period of radical reconstruction following America’s Civil War; bringing about much needed changes concerning civil liberties and racial equality within southern states while simultaneously providing security from any potential uprising from former Confederate leaders wishing to reclaim power within their respective regions by using force instead of democracy .