The Reconstruction Era

    The Reconstruction Era was a reframing period in American history when America sought to rebuild and redefine itself after the Civil War. This era marked a significant transition towards civil rights and equality for African American citizens.

    During the reconstruction, there was significant political progress made by African American me. Black men were elected into public office, including seats in the U.S Senate. The Civil War itself had paved the way for this, with 180,000 formerly enslaved men going the Union army. It was because of African American men that there was a secured chance in obtaining the Union's victory as well as abolishing slavery.

    President Abraham Lincoln sought out a future for Black men to have fundamental rights. Unfortunately, his assassination by John Wilkes Booth abruptly ended his efforts. Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's successor, was less supportive of racial equality. Under his administration, Black Codes were eventually implemented throughout the U.S. Black Codes began to restrict the freedoms and rights of African Americans, especially in the South.

    Despite further legal advancement throughout time, resistance in the South remained. Many white Southerners actively opposed Reconstruction efforts. Violence against Black Americans escalated,  particularly during critical moments like the 1968 presidential election; During this time, African American voters were attacked and some were even killed for their participation in voting. In spit e of that, half a million Black men continued to cast their votes for Ulysses S. Grant, who won the election due to the votes of the Black community.

    The Reconstruction Era contained both progress and struggle. While there was intense backlash from white communities who were unwilling to accept a racially integrated society, there were still significant changes during this period like the opportunities for political representation that opened for African American citizens.