The Civil War legally ended slavery and brought in the Era of Reconstruction. Re
ID: 3443661 • Letter: T
Question
The Civil War legally ended slavery and brought in the Era of Reconstruction. Reconstruction is an example of the notion that it was easier to change political institutions than cultural assumptions related to slavery. Discuss how Reconstruction reflects the nation’s attempt to promote justice and healing. Discuss specific policies of the state and federal governments relating to the end of slavery and the new social status of many former slaves, as well as how society accepted and implemented (or failed to accept and implement) those changes.
Explanation / Answer
Slavery will remain a permanent black mark in the history of America. A country that boasted of civilized citizens hardly had any such citizens. The remains of slavery and discrimination are still seen in many parts of the USA in different forms. Reconstruction during and after the civil war enabled millions of black people come out of slavery and enjoy freedom. Civil Rights Act granted nearly 4 million African American their dream of free citizenship. They breathed the air of freedom but amidst the grunting of many whites.
The Gain
This Act allowed them not only to cast their votes but also to actively participate in politics, acquire land from their previous owners, decide who to work and where to work and most importantly an gave them opportunity to learn through different organizations. People who were able to get to the local, state and national assemblies pushed the government to rewrite the constitution by enacting new laws that would provide education, voting etc.
The Pain
Southern states were very reluctant to accept the fact that they won’t have slaves but equals. They couldn’t imagine a black man standing in front of them doing whatever they do and walking freely in front of them. The community in the South even passed restrictive codes to control the black people. There was also violence in most part of the Southern American States, so there was a mass exodus that led the black people to the northern states for fear of their lives. This painful situation continues till today in different forms.
It was only legal and not cultural. The white supremacy is protected in the culture of America even today.