Did Reconstruction benefit African-Americans?

Question: Did Reconstruction benefit African-Americans!?

Did Reconstruction benefit African-Americans!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I would say both yes and no!. One of the main purposes of Reconstruction was for Federal troops to enforce the rights granted to African-Americans by the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments (abolition, citizenship, suffrage, respectively)!. This, it accomplished relatively well; many black elected officials came into office during this time!. Coalitions of freedmen and Northerners began the first public schools for blacks!.

However, at the same time, Reconstruction (and having lost the Civil War in general) greatly outraged white Southerners!. Reconstruction saw the appearance of the KKK (as a direct response to African-American rights) and other vigilante groups!. Federal enforcement of rights kept tempers running high!.

The election of 1876 saw the end of Reconstruction, as the Republican party, having lost the popular vote, agreed to end Reconstruction if they could have the presidency!. Rutherford (popularly called 'Rutherfraud' by Democrats) B!. Hayes became president, federal troops were withdrawn from the South, and the Jim Crow era began!.

So, Reconstruction was a mixed bag!. Federal troops likely should have stayed in the South longer to smooth the transition between post-war occupation and full Southern autonomy!. During its time, however, it was greatly helpful to African-Americans!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Short term yes, longer term no!.Www@QuestionHome@Com