Post Civil War Flashcards, test questions and answers
Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Post Civil War and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Post Civil War and get quick solutions for your test.
What is Post Civil War?
The post-Civil War Reconstruction period saw a great deal of change in the United States, as the country struggled to rebuild itself after four years of devastating conflict. This period of reconstruction was marked by several key developments that had far-reaching implications for both African Americans and whites in the South. One of the most significant changes brought about by Reconstruction was the adoption of new laws and constitutional amendments which granted formerly enslaved African Americans legal rights and civil liberties. Most notably, this included granting African Americans citizenship and giving them the right to vote under the 14th Amendment (1868). The 15th Amendment (1870) further prohibited racial discrimination in voting, while other federal legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1875) and Enforcement Acts (1870s) were designed to protect African American civil rights. These legal changes were accompanied by a number of initiatives designed to improve access to education for African Americans, such as establishing separate but equal schools for black students. In addition to these advancements for African Americans, white southerners also experienced some economic improvements during this period due to railroad construction and land reform efforts. The development of railroads in particular increased economic opportunities in many parts of the South, allowing agricultural products from previously isolated regions to be transported more easily across state lines. Additionally, land reform initiatives such as President Johnson’s Homestead Act provided incentives for white settlers who wanted to move into newly freed territories. This allowed many former Confederates access to valuable resources that had been denied them prior to reconstruction efforts. All told, post-Civil War Reconstruction was an important period that marked a major shift in American society with respect to race relations and civil rights issues. It was a time when significant progress was made towards granting basic freedoms and protections for citizens who had been denied them before although it would take many more years until all citizens enjoyed full equality under law regardless of race or background.