Did Reconstruction successfully solve the problems caused by slavery and the Civil War?

To answer this question, we must decide if we are looking at the short-term or the long-term. In the short-term, Reconstruction was able to solve many of the problems caused by slavery and the Civil War. The Civil War was fought for several reasons. One reason was over the issue of slavery. At first, it was fought over whether slavery would spread. Later, the fight dealt with the issue of slavery itself. The issue of states’ rights also was a cause of the Civil War. The South believed that states should have the right to nullify federal laws.

As a result of Reconstruction, these issues were resolved. The southern states had to write new state constitutions that banned slavery. They also had to reject nullification and secession. The former slaves were helped in many ways. The Freedmen’s Bureau provided the former slaves with some of their basic needs. They received food, clothing, and medical care. The Freedmen’s Bureau helped establish schools for the former slaves. The Freedmen’s Bureau also helped them get jobs. As a result of Reconstruction, the former males slaves were able to vote. Some African-Americans got elected to political offices.

In the long run, many of these accomplishments were restricted or eliminated. Jim Crow laws were passed that segregated public facilities. The creation of poll taxes and literacy tests helped to restrict, and in many cases, prevent African-Americans from voting. Reconstruction was never able to change the attitudes many southerners had about African-Americans. Many white southerners continued to believe in white, racial superiority.

Thus, to consider if Reconstruction resolved the issues created by slavery and the Civil War, we must decide if we are taking the long view or the short view. In the short view, Reconstruction was fairly successful in resolving these issues. In the long view, Reconstruction wasn’t that successful in resolving these issues.