American History: Reconstruction Era

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary reason African Americans could not access public schools during segregation?

Funding for public schools was cut. (correct)

Transportation to schools was eliminated.

There were no qualified teachers available.

School facilities were intentionally made harmful.

Which of the following methods was used to restrict voting rights for African Americans?

Voting locations were moved to remote areas.

Language requirements were imposed.

Poll taxes and literacy tests were implemented. (correct)

Only registered voters were allowed in public areas.

What motivated many African Americans to leave the South during the segregation era?

New labor laws encouraging migration.

An increase in racial violence.

The hope of better opportunities and more equal treatment. (correct)

Desire to reunite with family in the North.

Which of the following actions did African Americans take to improve their lives while remaining in the South?

They built their own schools and started businesses. Signup and view all the answers

In what order did the events related to voting rights and segregation occur?

Amendment abolishing slavery, Plessy v Ferguson, amendment on voting rights, migration north. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Freedman's Bureau?

To provide support and protection for formerly enslaved people. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a purpose of the black codes?

To ensure that freedmen could obtain fair employment. Signup and view all the answers

What key change did the 13th Amendment bring about?

It abolished slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major goals of President Johnson's Reconstruction plan?

To allow former Confederates to regain political power. Signup and view all the answers

How did Congress' approach to Reconstruction differ from President Johnson's?

Congress wanted to ensure full rights of citizenship for freedmen. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Ku Klux Klan's formation?

To drive African Americans out of political life through violence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Amnesty Act on political power in the South?

It reinstated former Confederates' voting rights, leading to a Democratic resurgence. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court rule in Plessy vs. Ferguson?

Segregation was permissible as long as facilities were 'equal.' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freedman's Bureau

Created to assist formerly enslaved people
Provided food, medical care, and aid with wages and working conditions
Distributed some land and established schools

Black Codes

Three key purposes
- Limit the rights of formerly enslaved people
- Replace enslaved labor with formerly enslaved people
- Maintain the social order with the formerly enslaved people at the bottom

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery

14th Amendment

Guaranteed civil rights and equal protection under the law

15th Amendment

Prevents states from denying voting rights based on race, color, or previous enslavement

Johnson's Reconstruction Plan

Two major goals
- Southern states create new governments
- Abolish slavery (13th Amendment)

Congressional Reconstruction Plan

Differed from Johnson's plan
Radical Republicans advocated for full citizenship rights for formerly enslaved people

Ku Klux Klan (KKK)

Formed to drive African Americans out of political life
Used threats, violence, terrorism, and murder

Enforcement Acts

Passed by Congress to prevent violence against African Americans

Amnesty Act

Allowed most former Confederate officials to vote again
Restored political power to white Southerners

Compromise of 1877

Resolved disputed 1876 presidential election
Hayes became president, and federal troops withdrew from the South

Jim Crow Laws

Required segregation in public places
Resulted in further disenfranchisement and discrimination of African Americans

Plessy v. Ferguson

Supreme Court ruling that segregation did not violate the Constitution as long as facilities were "equal"
Led to the widespread implementation of Jim Crow laws

Methods of denying rights

Poll taxes
Literacy tests/harder tests used to disenfranchise African Americans
Cut funding from public schools to deny education for many African Americans

African American Responses

Many African Americans migrated to other areas of the United States in search of better opportunities and conditions.
Those that stayed actively worked to improve their lives by creating businesses, schools, and stronger communities.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of the Reconstruction Era in American history, focusing on the Freedman's Bureau, Black Codes, and the key amendments that shaped civil rights. Test your knowledge on the goals of reconstruction, key legislation, and the impact of groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Understand the social and political changes during this pivotal time in history.