Reconstruction (post-war)

Reconstruction was the period after the American Civil War (1865-1877) aimed at rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. The federal government implemented policies to rebuild infrastructure and protect civil rights. It included significant amendments to the Constitution, such as the 13th (abolishing slavery), 14th (citizenship and equal protection), and 15th (voting rights) Amendments. However, Reconstruction faced resistance from Southern states, leading to the rise of discriminatory laws and groups like the Ku Klux Klan. The era ended with a compromise that withdrew federal troops, leaving many reforms unresolved and setting the stage for ongoing racial tensions.