North or South: Who Killed Reconstruction

Categories: Politics Racism Reconstruction The 13th Amendment

Essay, Pages 2 (434 words)

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After the Civil War ended in 1865, Reconstruction began, marking a significant period in American history. The 13th amendment finally freed all slaves, leading to the passing of the 14th amendment which granted black Americans citizenship and the 15th amendment which made it illegal to deny someone the right to vote based on race. This period aimed to rebuild and reorganize the nation, but it faced challenges from both the North and the South.

One of the reasons that led to the end of Reconstruction was the Northern neglect.

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The North grew weary of trying to assist the South in helping Freedmen. The Panic of 1873, which resulted in the loss of millions of jobs, shifted the focus of Northerners to their own concerns, leading to a decline in support for Reconstruction policies. The President also turned away from the issues of Reconstruction, contributing to its downfall.

On the other hand, Southern resistance played a significant role in ending Reconstruction. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) targeted individuals who supported Freedmen and Reconstruction, resorting to threats, intimidation, and violence.

The KKK, consisting of ordinary people like lawyers, doctors, and farmers, posed a serious threat to the progress of Reconstruction. They used tactics such as voter intimidation and violence to ensure that Reconstruction did not succeed in the South.

The KKK's actions, as described by Judge Albion Tourgee in a letter, highlighted the extent of violence and intimidation faced by those who supported Reconstruction. The KKK's efforts to prevent African-Americans from integrating into white society and to maintain white supremacy led to a climate of fear and resistance that ultimately brought an end to Reconstruction in 1877.

Despite the efforts of both the North and the South to contribute to the rebuilding of the nation, it was the persistent resistance from the South, fueled by groups like the KKK, that ultimately led to the downfall of Reconstruction. The violence, intimidation, and threats faced by those who supported Freedmen and Reconstruction made it increasingly difficult to sustain the progress that had been made.

In conclusion, Reconstruction was a challenging period in American history marked by significant progress and setbacks. While the North and the South both played a role in its downfall, it was the Southern resistance, particularly from groups like the Ku Klux Klan, that had the most significant impact on bringing an end to Reconstruction. The legacy of this period continues to shape the social and political landscape of the United States today.