Life drastically changed for African Americans after the Civil War. For one, they were now free -- after Lincoln freed the slaves in his Emancipation Proclamation. In the years that followed, little by little, freedoms were given. The black codes were overturned, and African Americans could vote and raise their families. But discrimination in the South was still relevant, and treatment towards African Americans in the former Confederate states worsened.
In general, this movement had a negative impact since lots of the expansion involved moving into territories that were controlled by European nations. Although most of the time physical conflict was avoided.
Tsar Alexander II initiated a series of importantreforms in Russia. During his reign, the country's rail and communication networks were improved, resulting in increased economic activity and the development of banking institutions.
