Congressional Reconstruction

Congressional Reconstruction was a period after the Civil War (1867-1870) when Congress took control of rebuilding the Southern states. It aimed to protect the rights of freed slaves and ensure new governments were fair and inclusive. Congress imposed conditions on Southern states, such as ratifying the 14th Amendment, to regain representation in Congress. This approach often conflicted with President Johnson’s more lenient policies. Ultimately, Congressional Reconstruction expanded civil rights for African Americans and reshaped Southern politics, but it faced resistance and ended by 1877, leading to the return of white Democratic control and restrictions on Black rights.