Civil War Reconstruction era of the United States

Civil War Reconstruction era of the United States

The era of the Civil War Reconstruction period was a difficult time for both the North and South, particularly due to the heavy toll the war had played in damaging both economies. In particular, reconstruction refers to:

The U.S. focusing on abolishing slavery
Destroying all traces of the Confederacy
Rebuilding southern society

Once the collapse of the Confederacy occurred, federal troops moved in to occupy the South. This occupation did not end until the troops were withdrawn due to a deal which was brokered by Rutherford B. Hayes, under which the entire South legally recognized him as the President of the United States. The period of reconstruction took a number of years and was actually still felt in effect well into the 20th century in many parts of the South and even some of the North.

While the North worked on abolishing slavery, many reforms were taking place in the South. This is because the North insisted on all aspects of the Confederacy being removed and even stated that the flying of a Confederate flag would be considered treason. However, the rebuilding of the South was not only in removing physical traces but also in a total rework of the thinking that many southerners still had about slavery and how the war ended.

The true toll the Civil War took was felt around the country and took time, the combined efforts of the North, South, and the freed slaves who could now vote to rebuild. It was the U.S. Supreme Court that took the final actions required to remove all traces of Confederate law in the 20th century. The changing of these laws recognized the freedom of all slaves in the South and their rights to vote, possess land, and even bear arms.