Position after Civil War

Question 1

position in 1865

4 points

Answer 1

1. Emancipation Proclamation 1963 - end slavery in Union
2. 13th amendment 1865 - 4 million slaves into freedmen
3. no resources and white hostility - free not equal
4. making a living? sharecropping - landlords allowed former slave to work land for share of produce - long hours, limited rewards, small living

Question 2

Reconstruction

6 points

Answer 2

1. president Johnson unsympathetic
2. congress dominated by radical republicans = reforms
   Freedmen’s Bureau 1865 - promotes welfare and education
   Civil Rights Act 1866 - legal equality
   First Reconstruction Act 1867 - guarantee’s right to vote
3. more political rights and representation - considerable numbers in state legislatures, some in Congress
4. Federal authority used to enforce new laws
5. Freedmen’s bureau provides education and welfare. gradually develops businesses and small holdings.
6. South - black codes restrict rights and allow attacks

Question 3

white reaction and discrimination (hostile)

5 points

Answer 3

1. secret organisations e.g. KKK
2. local groups terrorise AA lynching and murdering.
   1868 2,000 deaths and injuries in Louisiana alone
3. US gov deploy troops to suppress disorders
4. precedent set =
   white violence acceptable part of southern life
   no acceptance of AA as equal citizens
   little economic equality
   considerable violence to discourage/punish sexual contacts between AA and whites
   civil rights established in theory. in practice rights depended on strong military presence and determination of federal authority to enforce laws.
5. 1870s and after Haye’s Tilden Compromise of 1877
   AA rights eroded by intimidation and undermined by poor economic conditions.
   situation reverted to pre-civil war period where south allowed to regulate own affairs