Lecture: Reconstruction in the United States Post-Civil War

Introduction

• Final lecture of the course by Dr. Liy.
• Focus on the process of Reconstruction following the US Civil War.
• Discussion on the emancipation and civil liberties for African-Americans.
• Encouragement to continue learning in 117B to explore modern American history.

Post-Civil War Challenges

• Massive loss and destruction, especially in the South.
• Key questions about African-American status, post-emancipation.
• Emancipation Proclamation issues: only freed slaves in Confederate territories.
• Chaos in social and economic structures in the South.
• Abraham Lincoln's view of a country not legally torn apart.

Federal Support and the Freeman's Bureau

• Establishment of the Freeman's Bureau in 1865 to support freed individuals.
• Provided literacy, jobs, and mediation between Southern blacks and whites.
• Foundation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Reconstruction Plans

• Presidential Reconstruction (Lincoln's 10% Plan):
  • Required only 10% of Southern voters to pledge allegiance.
  • Congress’s opposition led to the Wade-Davis Bill (50% requirement) which Lincoln pocket vetoed.
• Post-Lincoln: Andrew Johnson's ineffective presidency amidst political tension.
  • Impeachment proceedings against Johnson.

Black Codes and Radical Reconstruction

• Black Codes (1865):
  • Laws restricting freedom and rights of African-Americans.
• Radical Reconstruction:
  • 1866 midterm elections bolstered Radical Republicans.
  • Reconstruction Act of 1867 divided the South into military zones.
  • Required ratification of the 14th Amendment.

Constitutional Amendments

• 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
• 14th Amendment: Defined citizenship, included blacks as citizens.
• 15th Amendment: Granted voting rights regardless of race (men only).

Reconstruction's Highs and Subsequent Decline

• Rise of African-American political power in the South.
• Northern publications criticized "colored rule," showing widespread racism.
• Declining support for Reconstruction by the 1870s.

Southern Resistance and Economic Changes

• Formation of vigilante groups like KKK.
• Sharecropping System:
  • Essentially replicated slavery in economic terms.
  • Perpetuated inequity and limited economic mobility.

End of Reconstruction

• Compromise of 1877 ended military presence in the South.
• Jim Crow laws restricted political rights and enforced segregation.
• Reconstruction remembered as a false start.

Cultural Impact

• Southern culture and racism deeply embedded in society.
• Popular culture reinforced Southern narratives, e.g., "Gone with the Wind."

Conclusion

• Reconstruction's legacy impacts modern civil rights discussions.
• Encouragement to continue studying history to understand American citizenship.
• Thanks and best wishes from Dr. Liy for student success in essays and future courses.