Question

Some historians have argued that reconstruction was a total failure, while others have seen it as laying the foundation for future american progress in race relations and civil rights. what arguments can be made for each position? which is more persuasive?

Answer 1

SUCCESS:

- Reinstated the U.S. to a united country after the Civil War.

- The development of both Northern and Southern economy. Both areas were capable to show with the help and sustenance of the other.

- Gave African American people rights for instance the right to vote.

- Gave the African Americans odds to make political organizations and churches.

FAILURE:

- The fall of the Radical Republican Party.

- The absence of acceptance of former slaves by whites and their reluctance to give African Americans the rights they merited.

- Radical republicans having selfish purposes. Republican's required to feat Southern labor by using blacks as a way to get more Republican ballots from the South.