Abstract This paper discusses the issue of race relations during the Reconstruction period with reference to the book "A short History of Reconstruction" by Eric Foner. Reconstruction was the time immediately after the Civil war that showed the deep and sharp racial division that existed in the American society and the author is of the view that many of the race-related problems that still persist in the country have their roots in the Reconstruction period.
Abstract This paper takes a close look at the tragic and confusing period which occurred directly following the United States Civil War. First, the actual plan for Reconstructing the South, as it was implemented starting in 1867, is defined and discussed. Then, Andrew Johnson's plan is discusses. Finally, the argument is made that the actual Reconstruction, though a failure, was more successful than Johnson's would have been.
From the Paper "At the end of the Civil War, the United States was a nation set for great change. Its two halves had just completed a bloody and costly conflict, one that had seen the North and the South divided not only along the lines of slavery and its abolition, but of states' rights and the direction in which the country should be taken. The eleven Confederate states had not only lost the war, but were left with nothing. The slavery-fueled concept of plantation-farming was gone, thanks to Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The southern economy and government was in tatters. There was nothing to take the place of these vanished traditions and standards. "
Abstract This paper discusses neoliberalism in the context of the reconstruction of Iraq and possible reorganization of the state boundaries in the Middle East. The paper looks at the suggestions and philosophies of Noah Feldman, Leslie Gelb and John Ikenberry for the optimal route towards reconstructing an Iraq that is most compatible with U.S. and local goals.
From the Paper "Since the occupation of Iraq, there have been many discussions and plans as to how to best reconstruct the country and make it functional once again. One of these approaches is best described as "neoliberal," which has evolved from the neoclassical philosophies of the last century, and is often associated with corporate colonialism and globalization ("Neoliberalism"). While the language used by neoliberals to discuss their plans and ideals often sounds like it is extremely pro-democracy and for the people, the overall effect of these goals benefits corporate power, especially US corporate power. Neoliberalism is supported by multinational agencies like the IMF and the World Bank, and favors privatization over state-controlled resources ("Neoliberalism"). "
Abstract The first history paper discusses prominent people of the Reconstruction Period such as Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass, the second analyzes political, economic, and social problems Black Americans faced at this time, and the third paper discusses the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution.
Abstract This paper addresses how the Reconstruction in the United States provided a large measure of hope to black citizens, but that this hope was false. Laws such as the Jim Crow acts and the Black Codes soon destroyed the potential for equality between blacks and whites.
Tags: AMERICAN STUDIES AND HISTORY / CIVIL WAR, reconstruction civil war
Abstract This paper describes the goals and methods of reconstruction of the southern states after the American Civil War. It states that reconstruction tried to achieve a certain degree of racial egalitarianism of the blacks with two vital amendments to the constitution: The 14th and 15th amendments. The paper describes the counter productivity with the government's clemency towards the southern states, which introduced black codes to suppress the African-American population. The author states that reconstruction achieved much regardless of its obvious weaknesses: schools were built to educate blacks and the poor whites, roads were constructed and the shield given to life and property were certainly key achievements of the government.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Reconstruction and its Weaknesses
Attitude of white Southerners
Compromise of 1877
Conclusion
From the Paper "Even after the liberation declaration proclamation, two more years of war, service by African American troops, and the overwhelm of the confederacy, the nation was still unprepared to deal with the question of full citizenship for its newly at liberty black population. The reconstruction implemented by Congress, which lasted from 1866 to 1877, was aimed at reorganizing the Southern states after the Civil War, providing the means for at restructure the southern states. After the Civil War, providing the means for readmitting them into the union, and defining the means by which whites and blacks could live jointly in a no slave society. The South, however, saw reconstruction as a humiliating, even unforgiving burden and did not welcome it."
Abstract This paper looks at how the Reconstruction period after the Civil War was a time when America attempted to rebuild the structures and societal elements that had been lost during the war. It examines how reconstruction was not only about building the structures again, but was also about rebuilding and redefining American values and how the entire economic structure and socioeconomic culture needed to be re-defined. It explores the issues of the success or failure of the Civil War on the basis of whether the goals of the war were realized in the reconstruction period. It supports the position that the reconstruction was a success and that the accomplishments during this time period laid the foundation groundwork for future reforms.
From the Paper "Many who support the idea that the Civil War was a splendid failure, including Foner, do so on the grounds that the condition of the blacks in the North was not an immediate and drastic improvement. They were not afforded the same benefits and status of the whites. However, one must remember that they could at least earn a wage, and as slaves this opportunity did not exist. The black person may have had to work longer and harder than the whites for less pay and a substandard lifestyle, but we must remember that in the South, they had substandard living conditions and did not have the chance to earn a wage. Working in the northern factories gave the blacks a way out; some worked and saved their money. They could buy themselves education and eventually became a force to be reckoned with and a voice to be heard in the years to come."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the Reconstruction era in American history. According to the paper, Reconstruction needs to be distinguished from the winning of the Civil War by the North. The paper reports that once the war was won in 1865, the North, under President Lincoln and then President Johnson, began the first phase of Reconstruction, which lasted two years, until the end of 1866. The paper further reports that Reconstruction, which eventually lasted 12 years, was generally not a successful policy.
From the Paper "Southerners did not flock to become Republicans as the North desired, but when they were allowed to be Democrats, they worked hard to restore legitimate legislation and patriotism."
"Meanwhile the attitude of Southerners toward the Blacks remained the same as before the war. Declaring a people free did not erase the subordinate and inferior image that the Whites had of the Blacks. Even those blacks who had served in the military faced persecution and prejudice. "
Abstract This paper discusses Reconstruction, the formal system set up in 19th century America to deal with the aftermath of the civil war, including dealing with newly-freed African Americans. The writer discusses how Reconstruction was responsible for the passing of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, and actively promoted African-American involvement in politics and public life. It was a very social as well as a political movement, and led to the increased educational levels of southern blacks. The negative effects of Reconstruction, such as the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist groups, are also discussed. The writer concludes that Reconstruction paved the way for there to be sufficient numbers of educated, organized, and determined African Americans to force the social changes that it promised by the time of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
From the Paper "While the treatment of former slaves may have been an issue in Reconstruction, it is important to keep in mind that the North and the South had many political differences. Therefore, northern Republicans were concerned about the southern Democrat dominance in politics. As a result, the Republican Party took over Reconstruction. The first major act of Reconstruction was the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, which extended citizenship to blacks and extended the protections of the Bill of Rights to the states."
Abstract This paper discusses the Reconstruction of the United States. It analyzes the positives and negatives of the Reconstruction period. The paper concludes that the Reconstruction, though a positive and valid idea, did not accomplish what it was intended to accomplish. However, the paper does mention the positive outcomes that did eventuate from the period.
From the Paper "The Reconstruction of the United States is a period that has been a topic of debate for generations. There were so many complex problems after the Civil War; it isn't surprising that many still don't have a full understanding of how the solutions were made. For a century after the war, historians claimed the Reconstruction to be a total failure to all Americans, with the belief that Southerners were capable of rebuilding without government interference and that former slaves were intellectually inferior to whites and incapable of running a government. Though there were a number of accomplishments during the Reconstruction period, the conclusion that is most apparent is that the Reconstruction was a failure, not only did it not live up to the standards of the "Radical" Republicans, but it was not revolutionary and only offered temporary visions of a better society."
This paper discusses the difficulties and diverse processes used to direct the slow and confusing political evolution of the South during the Reconstruction era after the end of the Civil War.
Abstract This paper stresses that, although the era of reconstruction after the Civil War is often referred to as "The Tragic Era" or "The Age of Hate", the treatment given the South is considered to be the mildest punishment ever inflicted after an unsuccessful Civil War. The author points out that the fact that the Civil War brought forth the inherent differences of the people of the North and the South underscores the success of the political leadership of the North and the adaptability of the South in ultimately unifying the country. The paper explains that the three phases of political reconstruction of the South---the presidential, radical and redemption periods---not only reconstructed the South but also strengthened the entire country's political system.
From the Paper "The redemption period of reconstruction between the years of 1873-77 brought more trouble and many conclude this was the ending stage of reconstruction. The North "would help the return of decent government, and whatever elements obstruct the attainment of so desirable an end, whether ignorance, lust power or greed of plunder will be thrust aside". The Republican Party was divided because of racial tensions. The radical Republicans didn't want blacks to hold office, but would allow them to vote. This disagreement allowed Democrats to increase in strength. The poor blacks and whites ... "
Abstract The reconstruction of the Union, the peace process and the return of the defeated Confederate states to the Union was problematic socially, economically and physically. This paper examines the political steps taken to reconstruct the Union and the problems faced.
From the Paper "It became strikingly apparent that Reconstruction from the congressional standpoint was a complete failure. Harsh laws could not help mobilize the South into economic and political viability. Gradually, Southern states began electing members of the Democratic Party to office. By 1876, only three Southern states had Republicans in control - mere vestiges of the policies of the Radical Republicans.
The following year, President Rutherford B. Hayes removed the Northern troops that remained in the South. It was an unspoken admittance of the failure of the Radical reconstruction policy."
Tags: South, Northerner, Radical, Republican, congress, Johnson
Abstract This paper examines how, because the U.S. is generally recognized around the world as the bastion of democracy, it is natural that it should spearhead the international community's attempt to reconstruct and ensure peace, unity, and stability in Iraq. It looks at how, because there are apparent hostilities between the U.S. and Middle Eastern nations, which are mostly Islamic societies, there are contentions whether U.S. will be able to do this, especially now that is facing political and military problems due to recent reports on Iraqi prisoners? abuse and torture by the U.S. military. It explores how the U.N can work together with the U.S. to implement the Iraq reconstruction program.
From the Paper "The first weakness pointed out by Brown refers to the US government's "propensity" to mishandle rehabilitation programs abroad; a case in point is the failure of the US government during the 1970s to "save" South Vietnam from the Communist influence of North Vietnam. A similar even is also presently occurring that illustrates the weak US foreign policy, especially when dealing with prisoners-of-war (POWs). Recent reports of Iraqi prisoners abuse by the military created outrage among Iraqis, which further worsened the already poor efforts of the US government's reconstruction program in the country (Ensor & Mount, 2004). The UN can remedy this problem of weak foreign policy by taking over the US government's job, replacing it with a "neutral" institution that will serve as intermediary not only between Iraq and US, but among other nations as well."
A history of the Ku Klux Klan from its beginnings as a social club during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period to its eventual weakening at the hands of the U.S. government in the 1870s.
Abstract This paper deals with a description of the history of the Ku Klux Klan from its foundation in 1866 as a social group of ex-Confederate soldiers to its "death" in the early 1870s after a crackdown by the U.S. government on Klan activities. The paper begins with a brief history of Reconstruction and the attempts by the north to bring about a peaceful unity with the south once again. The limitations put on former Confederates is emphasized as one of the main reasons for the Klan's birth, as many ex-Confederates felt that the north had completely erased any power that they had, or would ever, hold in southern politics. The paper then shifts to the Klan itself, citing journal entries by one of the six original founders for the details of how the Klan began as a social club meant to simply pass the time during Reconstruction. The Klan grew from its humble beginnings however to something more sinister, spouting out racial superiority against the freed blacks and attempting to win political power for whites in the south. Members of the Klan felt betrayed by the United States Congress for giving so much to African-Americans after the Civil War, and acting through the disguise of the Ku Klux Klan's ceremonial "hoods", they were able to enact their own justice through anonymity. The paper also gives a detailed breakdown of the organization of the first Ku Klux Klan, from regional outlets to its first supreme leader, the infamous Confederate cavalry war veteran, Nathan Bedford Forrest. Citing Forrest's actions during the war and his obvious hatred for African-Americans in all of his rhetoric, the paper demonstrates that although Forrest would attempt to hide his involvement with the Klan after a United States investigation, his guilt is well established. The paper ends with the early 1870s Congressional investigation of the Klan and the restrictions that were placed upon it under President Grant.
From the Paper "The representatives assigned mythical names to their roles of leadership, giving more to that aura of secrecy and intrigue that drew more members into the Klan. The supreme officer of the Klan would be known as "The Grand Wizard of the Empire" and would have full control over Klan activities in the South. Below him would be Grand Dragons, who would organize statewide Klan activity. To rule over individual chapters of the Klan, the presidents of regional Ku Klux Klan sections would be known as the Grand Cyclops. This class structure continues down to the standard member, who ironically would be known as "Ghouls"."
Tags: african, american, civil, groups, hate, kkk, movements, power, race, relations, rights, war, white
Abstract This paper explains that humans are required to interact socially in a process of reconstruction from the moment of birth in order to survive and thrive but they are born with specific genetic propensities. The author points out that the inborn need of humans for social verification makes them unconsciously attempt to become part of what every group with which they identify. The paper concludes that not only are individuals always in the process of reconstructing themselves but also the world and other people are continuing to modify this process through work and education.
From the Paper "The baby discovers that he or she has a gender and there are other people with different genders. As this child matures and goes to school, the emerging sense of self discovers others who in time may become friends or not friends. By the time the child has reached puberty, he/she is the sum of the intrinsic unconscious self and that self's perception of the events in his or her life. Through out adulthood, the self will be modified by exposure to different people, different employers and by acting out new roles such as husband, wife, parent or grandparent."
