The Failure of Reconstruction Flashcards

Questions and Answers

When did the Civil War end?

April 9, 1865

How many Americans were killed in the Civil War?

620,000

What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?

It freed slaves and made slavery illegal.

What did the 14th Amendment grant?

It granted citizenship to all people born in the US. Signup and view all the answers

What did the 15th Amendment do?

It granted all citizens the right to vote regardless of race. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Reconstruction considered a failure?

The economy in the South was not rebuilt, and the rights of African Americans were not protected. Signup and view all the answers

What was Lincoln's Ten Percent Plan?

It stated that 10% of voters in former Confederate states had to take a loyalty oath to the Union. Signup and view all the answers

What was President Andrew Jackson's Plan for Reconstruction?

It involved returning property to most southerners, appointing governors, military presence, and amnesty for most Confederates. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Radical Republicans?

Members of Congress that strongly opposed slavery and advocated for citizenship for African Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Radical Republican's Plan?

It aimed to take all power away from the southern planter class and favored military governance. Signup and view all the answers

What were Black Codes?

These were laws aimed at keeping African Americans a subservient labor class. Signup and view all the answers

What rights were denied to African Americans under Black Codes?

No citizenship, no vote, unfair labor contracts, no trial by jury, and corporal punishment legal. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue facing Congress after the Civil War?

The fight for civil rights. Signup and view all the answers

What years did Reconstruction take place?

1865-1877 Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

To provide food, clothing, medicine, land, and legal services. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Civil Rights Bill of 1865 attack?

It attacked Black Codes. Signup and view all the answers

What was a social implication of the Civil War and Reconstruction?

Most African Americans stayed in the South, and many Whites felt they were not ready for freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Religious Boom after the Civil War?

Black churches were founded, leading to a significant growth in black Baptists. Signup and view all the answers

What were the first institutions that African Americans owned and operated after the war?

Fraternal, mutual aid societies, clubs, lodges, and associations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of African Americans in politics after the Civil War?

Many African Americans were elected during Reconstruction, leading to significant representation in some states. Signup and view all the answers

What is sharecropping often referred to as?

Another word for slavery. Signup and view all the answers

How long did the Union army occupy the South?

12 years, from 1865 to 1877. Signup and view all the answers

What does The Lost Cause refer to?

The romanticized view of the Civil War as a symbol of courage. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Ku Klux Klan?

To end African American roles in politics and restore white rule. Signup and view all the answers

What marks the end of Reconstruction?

By 1877, the Union army left, and the rights of African Americans were not protected. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Wade-Davis Bill?

A proposed bill for the Reconstruction of the South, pocket vetoed by Lincoln. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Civil War and Reconstruction Overview

Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, with Gen. Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
Approximately 620,000 Americans were killed during the Civil War.

Constitutional Amendments

13th Amendment: Abolished slavery and made it illegal.
14th Amendment (1866): Granted U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country.
15th Amendment (1869): Ensured all citizens could vote, regardless of race.

Reasons for Reconstruction's Failure

The Southern economy remained impoverished post-war.
African Americans' rights were not protected, leading to systemic denial of rights through Jim Crow Laws for the next century.

Reconstruction Plans

Lincoln's Ten Percent Plan: Required 10% of voters in Confederate states to take a loyalty oath for state governance; mandated abolition of slavery and provisions for African American education.
Andrew Johnson's Plan: Involved returning property to Southern owners, appointing governors, maintaining military presence, granting amnesty to most Confederates, and denying citizenship to African Americans.

Radical Republicans

A faction in Congress that opposed slavery and fought for African American citizenship.
Radical Republicans' Plan: Stripped power from Southern elites, favored Congressional intervention, and required military governance until 50% of voters pledged loyalty.

Black Codes and Their Impact

Black Codes were laws aimed at maintaining a subservient labor class among African Americans, reflecting earlier Slave Codes.
Under these codes, African Americans faced severe restrictions: no citizenship or voting rights, unfair contracts, no jury trials, and corporal punishment was legal.

Key Issues and Events

The central issue facing Congress during Reconstruction was the fight for civil rights.
Reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1877.
Freedmen's Bureau (1868) provided essential services such as food, clothing, land, and legal assistance.

Civil Rights Legislation

Civil Rights Bill (1865) aimed to combat Black Codes; affirmed African Americans as citizens with property rights and court capabilities.

Most African Americans remained in the South, with ongoing societal perceptions of their readiness for freedom.
By 1890, there was a religious boom with 1.3 million black Baptists established.

African American Political Engagement

Many African Americans were elected to office during Reconstruction; significant representation in states like South Carolina (black majority) and Louisiana (50% representation).

Economic Conditions

Sharecropping emerged as a system resembling slavery, keeping African Americans economically dependent and oppressed.
Union Army occupied the South for 12 years (1865-1877) to protect African American rights.

Societal Attitudes and Groups

"The Lost Cause" narrative emerged as a romanticized view of the war among veterans.
The Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1866 to undermine African American political involvement and restore white supremacy through violence and intimidation.

Conclusion of Reconstruction

By 1877, the withdrawal of Union troops saw the return of oppressive conditions similar to the antebellum era, with African American rights unprotected.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key events and amendments during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. This quiz features important dates, statistics, and legal changes that shaped American history. Perfect for students and history enthusiasts alike!