The Facts and History of Reconstruction

The efforts for greater equality and opportunities for Black Americans lasted only 12 years

Photo Credit: Thomas Nast in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine

Issue #148 American History October 11, 2022

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The Week That W.A.S.

Reconstruction was a set of Congressional acts that abolished slavery and attempted to give the newly freed Black slaves (not including women, of course) the same civil rights as whites.

The Top Three Facts About Reconstruction

1. The “Reconstruction Era” lasted only 12 years, from 1865-1877. That time is now considered to be an experiment in interracial democracy.

2. The Republican Party at that time was philosophically more like today’s Democratic Party and vice versa.

3. The Constitution's 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were ratified during this time.