Civil Rights During Reconstruction Lesson

Lesson Overview

• Reconstruction (1865–1877): A Period of Change and Challenges
• The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s): Overcoming Jim Crow

Reconstruction (1865–1877) was a crucial period in American history that followed the Civil War and sought to rebuild the Southern states while integrating newly freed African Americans into society. The era saw significant changes in laws and policies aimed at ensuring civil rights and freedoms for former slaves, but it also faced strong resistance that led to the rise of discriminatory practices such as Black Codes and Jim Crow laws.

This lesson will explore the impact of Reconstruction, the key constitutional amendments that shaped civil rights, the backlash that followed, and how these issues continued into the 20th-century Civil Rights Movement.

Reconstruction (1865–1877): A Period of Change and Challenges

Key Goals of Reconstruction

1. Rebuilding the South: The Civil War left the Southern states devastated. The government aimed to restore infrastructure and integrate freed African Americans into society.

1. Granting Civil Rights: The U.S. government sought to secure the rights of freedmen through constitutional amendments and federal policies.

1. Reintegrating Confederate States: The Southern states had to meet certain conditions to rejoin the Union, such as ratifying new amendments and ensuring civil rights for African Americans.

The Reconstruction Amendments: Foundation of Civil Rights

The most critical outcomes of Reconstruction were the three constitutional amendments that redefined freedom and citizenship for African Americans. An easy way to remember these amendments is with the mnemonic "Free Citizens Vote":

These amendments were monumental because they legally ended slavery, recognized former slaves as American citizens, and sought to give them political power through voting rights.

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Review- Civil Rights and Reconstruction

The Freedmen's Bureau: Support for Former Slaves

To aid freed African Americans in their transition to freedom, the federal government established the Freedmen's Bureau in 1865. This organization provided:

• Education: Schools and colleges for African Americans.
• Legal Assistance: Help with contracts, land disputes, and civil rights cases.
• Medical Aid: Healthcare services for freed slaves.
• Employment Support: Help in finding fair jobs.

Despite its efforts, the Freedmen's Bureau faced strong opposition from white Southerners and limited funding, which restricted its effectiveness.

The Black Codes: A Backlash Against Freedom

Many Southern states enacted Black Codes, which were laws designed to control and oppress African Americans. These laws:

• Limited Employment Opportunities: African Americans were restricted to agricultural and domestic labor jobs.

• Restricted Movement: Laws required African Americans to carry work permits or risk imprisonment for vagrancy.

• Banned Voting Rights: These codes prevented African Americans from voting or serving on juries.

These laws were essentially an attempt to keep African Americans in a position of economic and social inferiority, maintaining a system similar to slavery.

Radical Reconstruction: Congress Takes Control

Due to the failure of President Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction Plan, which allowed former Confederate leaders back into power and did little to protect freedmen's rights, Congress took over Reconstruction efforts. Radical Republicans in Congress passed the Reconstruction Act of 1867, which:

• Divided the South into five military districts, each governed by the U.S. Army.

• Required states to create new constitutions guaranteeing African American men the right to vote.

• Mandated the ratification of the 14th Amendment for reentry into the Union.

President Johnson's Impeachment: Johnson opposed Radical Reconstruction, leading Congress to impeach him in 1868. He was accused of violating the Tenure of Office Act but was not removed from office. However, his presidency lost influence, and Congress continued to implement stricter Reconstruction policies.

The End of Reconstruction and the Rise of Jim Crow (1877–1950s)

Reconstruction ended in 1877 due to the Compromise of 1877, which resulted in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This allowed white Southern Democrats ("Redeemers") to regain control, leading to the establishment of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation.

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Civil Rights During Reconstruction! Trivia Facts Quiz

Jim Crow Laws: Legalized Segregation

Jim Crow laws separated African Americans and whites in public spaces, including schools, transportation, and restaurants.

The Supreme Court upheld these laws in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), ruling that segregation was legal as long as facilities were "separate but equal." However, in practice, Black facilities were inferior.

Voting Suppression Tactics

Although the 15th Amendment granted voting rights, Southern states found ways to suppress Black voters:

These methods effectively disenfranchised African Americans for nearly a century.

The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s): Overcoming Jim Crow

The Civil Rights Movement sought to challenge segregation and restore voting rights. Key events include:

Landmark Cases and Protests