Reconstruction: 1863- 1877

[Name of the Instructor]

Abstract

In this research paper the Reconstruction era of American history is discussed briefly. It tells about how the end of Civil War gave birth to the chaos in America and how authorities tried to control it through Reconstruction. Later it gives brief account about how the goals of Reconstruction that were to give freedom to black slaves, were opposed by different groups including Klu Klux Klan. The paper provides evidence through Schruz report regarding the abuses former slaves faced by the Klan. Further it discusses about the goals of Alabama black convention that was supported by Republicans to formulate the constitution.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Ku Klux Klan1

Klu Klux Klan's Terror and Schurz Report2

Alabama Convention and Republicans3

Conclusion4

References6

Reconstruction: 1863- 1877

Introduction

In American history, reconstruction is thought to be the one of the other chaotic events. It began during the civil war and concluded by the end of 1877. It was the first event of interracial democracy in America. The central reason of civil war was the destiny of black slaves; similarly, the position of former slaves in the United States was the core disturbing policy of Reconstruction. Where the victory of Northern people in Civil war assured the fate of slavery and Union, it also posed many problems to the government (Perman & Taylor 1991). Those problems included the replacement of slavery with another system, reunion of nation and former slaves' status in the country.

African Americans were the most important agents in developing Reconstruction. The fundamental point of Reconstruction was to provide a full meaning of freedom to ex-slaves so that being a citizen they can claim their rights.

Era of reconstruction faced many hindrances. The plan for Reconstruction put forward by Andrew Johnson, which included right to vote for Blacks, to hold office and implementing the rules of equal rights provision, was rejected by the Southern governments and faced opposition from many violent groups like Ku Klux Klan and other (Chalmers 1981).

Discussion

Ku Klux Klan

Ku Klux Clan was the most famous group that enforced the outlawed and violent rules of white supremacy. It was founded in 1866 by several, said to be six, formal Confederate officers in Tennessee. Historians say that the beginning of Reconstruction gave birth to the rise of Klu Klux Klan (Lutz & Lutz 2009). The freedom of blacks and the emasculation of whites in South, made the rise of Klu Klux Klan a necessity. During the most critical time of Reconstruction, this group targeted many republicans and threatened black voters in southern states. Killing of hundreds of black people during 1886 elections is considered to be the responsibility of Klu Klux Klan (Chalmers 1981). They made a collective effort along with other groups to help the white elite so that they could regain control on state and local governments. Through terror and violence, Republicans and former slaves were refrained to participate in political activities (Lutz & Lutz 2009).

Klu Klux Klan's Terror and Schurz Report

Started from a playful group of Tennessee, Klu Klux Clan soon gained ...