Thesis: The American Civil War and the Reconstruction period that took place at the end of the war, and for many years afterwards, resulted in many changes for both white and black Americans throughout the nation.
I. Pre-Civil War rights for black Americans.
II. The Presidents during the Reconstruction period.
A. Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865).
B. Andrew Johnson (1865-1869).
C. Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877).
III. New laws are established after the Civil War to provide equality for all black Americans during the Reconstruction period.
A. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
B. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
C. The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
IV. The southern reaction throughout the Reconstruction period.
A. The birth of the black community.
B. Black Codes.
C. Violence.
V. Conclusion.
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Black Progress during the Reconstruction Period.
The American Civil War and the Reconstruction period that took place at the end of the war and for many years afterwards resulted in many changes for both white and black Americans throughout the nation. The changes had the greatest impact on white and black southerners in the areas of society, economy, and politics. The south had to create a new labor system, adapt to the new anti-imperialist society, and accept black Americans into local and national politics. The catalysts for these changes and the methods of implementing the changes were very dynamic throughout the period and changed the course of American history forever.
Prior to the start of the American Civil War of 1861, blacks living in America and who were in servitude were provided with the following "rights":.
• Food.
• Shelter.
• Clothing.
These three basic "rights" were provided by their respective plantation slave "master" as long as they worked at or above the standard prescribed by the plantation slave "master".
