1. Reconstruction
Healing the Nation

2. What was Reconstruction?
The concept of readmitting the former Confederate States back into the Union
Questions exist for how to readmit them
Should they be punished?
Should they be allowed to exist as states?
Who decided Reconstruction policies?

3. Reconstruction After Lincoln
Lincoln’s assassination (April 15, 1865) opens the door for Andrew Johnson
Vetoes Civil Rights legislation
Recognized old southern state governments
Pass “Black Codes”
Limited freedom for African- Americans
“Won the war but lost the peace”

4. Legislation Reconstruction Acts (1867)
South was divided into five military districts
Guarantee land ownership for African- Americans (failed)
Mass arrests of former Confederates (failed)
Civil Rights Acts (1875)
Guaranteed equal treatment in public places

5. 13th Amendment Bans slavery in the United States
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to jurisdiction.”

6. 14th Amendment Redefines American citizenship
All citizens guaranteed equal legal protection
Right to file a lawsuit or serve on a jury

7. 15th Amendment
No citizen of the US can be denied the right to vote based on race, color or previous status as a slave

8. Was It Successful? African-Americans won elections
Established their own schools
Ex: Morehouse and Howard
Sharecropping established
Land was rented, seed and tools were purchased
Paid back with yield
“A cycle of debt”