Now historians tend to see reconstruction as a mix of successes and failures. based on what you have learned about the goals and struggles of reconstruction, in what ways did it succeed? why do you think so? in what ways did it fail? why? what ideas do you have for how reconstruction could have been handled so it would have been more satisfactory for all involved? would you have changed some of the decisions made by the government? how would you have addressed the strong feelings people had about their culture and way of life?

The Reconstruction era successes

1) Passing of the 14th and 15th amendments: The 14th amendment made it so that anyone born on American soil is automatically an American citizen. This amendment was aimed at helping former slaves, as they would now have the same protections/rights as white citizens. The 15th amendment made it illegal to stop someone from voting based on their race. This made it so that African-American men could vote in elections.

2) Creation of the Freedmen's Bureau- This federal organization helped former slaves with employment opportunities and other forms of assistance. This allowed for an easier transition into American society.

Failures of the Reconstruction era:

1) Failure to stop hate groups- The Ku Klux Klan was formed right during the era of Reconstruction. This group terrorized African-American citizens through the use of violence and threats.

very positive impact on our industries in the west, sine they promoted settlement and increased the ways in which goods could be transported to market.