After the Civil War, the era known as Reconstruction began. During this era, the federal government tried to grant rights to former slaves and rebuild the South. There was progress, including the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, granting freedom, citizenship and voting rights to former slaves. In the 1877 presidential election, both the Republican and Democratic candidates claimed to have won. Rutherford B. Hayes, the Republican candidate, became president in exchange for withdrawing federal troops from the South. The lack of military presence meant there was no longer a way to enforce the new amendments or punish those who treated African Americans unfairly. Reconstruction came to an abrupt end. Not only that, much of the progress made in the 12 years of Reconstruction was reversed as Jim Crow laws took hold. When we look at the end of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow, it is important to remember that history did not have to be this way. Reconstruction efforts could have continued if the country had committed to it.

What explanation do you have for which of these events occurred during the Reconstruction era?

A. The Civil War began.

B. Rutherford B. Hayes became president.

C. Progress toward racial equality in the South was reversed.

D. Three amendments were passed to grant rights to former slaves.

GIVING 20 AND BRAINLIST