Reconstruction
400,000 Union dead;
300,000 Confederate dead. April 1st 1865, Lee was outflanked by
Grant West of the town, Richmond falls. The Appomattox surrender follows on
April 9th. Reconstruction begins, and lasts 12 years. The 13th
Amendment is ratified. Land ownership was seen as the key to having position in
society. Northerners did not think the former slaves would work. Why not enjoy
your first break for your unpaid hundreds of years of labor?
Southerners are said to have made a pact among themselves to
not sell land to blacks. The slave system did not die with the war. Black Codes
were promptly voted into law. Congress acted swiftly and tried to get rid of
the Black Codes. Moderates were concerned with over-use of federal power. 14th
Amendment gives citizenship to people born in the US. Section 2 of the
Amendment says that any state that denies rights will ave its representation
reduced. 15th Amendment passed and the right to vote given to all
males over 21. South is seen as a constant problem.
'Reconciliation' movement begins. The North turns to the so
called 'better class' in the South to solve problems. Memorial Day was set up
to honor civil war veterans. Orations celebrated the heroism of veterans
without reference to the ideas that started the war. A former union general
called the eventual withdrawal from the south 'the birth of constitutionalism'.
A former confederate general says that slavery had nothing to do with the war.
The south wanted to be free enough to oppress others. Segregation is enshrined
into law. Douglas tells his successors to agitate.
