EOTO #2 Reaction:

The Reconstruction Era, which lasted from the later years of the American Civil War until the 1877 Compromise, was a period in American history that was dedicated to rebuilding after the war. This time frame was used to rebuild the nation on multiple fronts. The Confederate states were reintegrated and the social, political, and economic impacts of slavery were addressed. This was aided by three Constitutional amendments that were passed by Congress to permanently abolish slavery. These three amendments were birthright citizenship, guaranteed due process, and equal protection under the law. Thus granting all men of every race the ability to vote by prohibiting voter discrimination. 

Despite this steps that were taken to spring The Reconstruction Era forward, there were new problems that uprose. The entire economic world was changed and impacted the lives of everyone. In the South, a new system of labor needed to be devised to replace the broken system of slavery. So the new Southern governments that were formed addressed the violence of the Ku Klux Klan as well as similar white supremacist groups. 

As for the Northerners, their commitment to protecting the rights of former slaves concluded. The presence of the federal government in the economy increased and economic legislation led to newer opportunities for expansion. The Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad both opened the West to crowds of new settlers. 

The time of the Reconstruction Era was cut short due to: a significant economic depression in the Southern states and white intimidation towards African Americans. The Reconstruction can be looked at as an overall success for the United States. African Americans had successfully made strides towards gaining independency in Southern societies and others became more open to these ideas.In addition, the 14th and 15th Amendments played a major role in helping African Americans achieve full civil rights in the 20th century.