How promising was the period of reconstruction for African Americans? (50 marks)

After the end of the civil war in 1865 and the abolition of slavery, a period of reconstruction followed where by the government hoped to seize control of the south and rebuild America. Some historians argue this was a promising period for the newly freed slaves where as others would argue it was a crisis and thus a negative period for the African Americans. When looking at reconstruction one must consider the economic, legal, social and political impacts it had on the African Americans.

One argument that suggests that reconstruction was promising for the African Americans was the passing of the 14th amendment. This stated that all persons born or naturalized in America were citizens. Not only did this overturn the black codes but also meant that states could not limit the right of citizenship for African Americans, resulting in them having the full protection of the law. Moreover the passing of this law secured the rights for black children (from two freed slaves) as well as securing the rights for black Americans in the future. Therefore providing strong evidence to why reconstruction was promising for AA’s.

Furthermore, the 15th amendment was also passed during the period of reconstructions which intended to secure the voting rights for AA’s. As a result of this 700,000 AA’s registered to vote, not only was this a success for AA’s, some historians argue that it was also a big success for the republican party as it secured the vote of the African Americans, potentially allowing them to remain in power. This was considered very promising for AA’s as the democratic party were against the abolition of slavery in the first place and were a lot more racist. In addition to this the 15th amendment could also be considered promising as it laid the foundation for future civil rights success in the 1960s.

Some historians also argue that the period of reconstruction was promising for AA’s economically. The freedmens bureau was passed by an act of congress in 1865, this supported newly freed slave by providing them with homing, employment and also allocating confiscated lands from the civil war. Between 1865 and 1866 17million was spent on over 4000 schools and 100 hospitals. Some consider this to be very promising for AA’s as it was one of the first examples of federal action in favor of black Americans.

Historians, especially revisionist also argue that the period of reconstruction was promising for social reasons. Acts like the freedmens bureau helped set up 4000 schools and 100 hospitals, which allowed better educations for AA’s which would prove to be vital when looking for scarce employment in the future. In addition to this reconstruction also saw the first black members of the US government, including 2 senators. Thus giving AA’s more representation and voice in government. Reconstruction also saw the growth of black independent churches. These provided a great plat form for AA’s to share their sufferings and come together, leading to large political movements in the future, like Martin Luther king in the 20th century.

Additional interpretations of reconstruction include that of WEB Dubois, he believed the achievements of reconstruction are sometimes over looked. He saw reconstruction as a period where federal aid was given to AA’s in the form of money being given to education and other public services. Therefore supporting the belief that reconstruction was a promising period for AA’s.

There are however arguments that suggest reconstruction was less promising for AA’s. One of these includes the opposition to amendments passed during the early period s of reconstruction. For example the 15th amendment contained lots of loopholes, including land ownership and literacy test, which allowed southern states to overturn/ bypass it. This supports the revisionist view that reconstruction was infact a not a promisingas it was once thought.

Although helpful to some the Freedmens bureau is considered to be unsuccessful by some historians. Despite 44 million acres being provided to freed slaves not many had the expertise or equipment to run the land to make any profit. Some AA’s thus resorted to share cropping however high rents and low profits meant they became trapped in what some described as another type of slavery. Ultimately the Freedmens bureau collapsed in 1872 after deemed not a long term solution. Therefore some historian s believe it to be a failure for AA’s.

One negative social factor of reconstruction , which ties in the post revisionist view that reconstruction was in fact not beneficial to the AA’s, is that the black codes still remained which heavily suppressed the African American community. The reconstruction period also saw the birth and widespread growth of the KKK which heavily increased racial violence, in the form or lynching’s. Thus supporting the argument that reconstruction was infact not a promising period of time for the African American.

To conclude, despite offering a fait glimmer of hope. One could strongly argue that reconstruction was in fact not a promising period of time for the African American. Inconsistency in enforcing new amendments and lack of economic opportunity resulted in the African American on the whole remaining in poverty and continuing to be oppressed both by the public and the federal government.