The Reconstruction Era

                 

              Throughout this course I have learned the untold history behind the reconstruction era. I have a better understanding about the significance and process of the established amendments. In 1865 the 13^th Amendment released African Americans of servitude. In 1866 the 14^th amendment was established which granted equal rights to African Americans. Both 13^th and 14^th amendments sparked the beginning change to colored males. Although this change was great, it was unacceptable to white American citizens. In 1865 white males gathered together to form societies that opposed these amendments. During this time heads were lynched, bodies were put under flames, and lives were at its highest threat for colored persons. In addition segregation played a major role within the community at the time. Even though African Americans were free men with granted civil rights, they were limited to certain public areas, food, water, transportations, and occupations. These events were a tragedy because of the failure for majority of white citizens to practice the benefit of change that was that was taking action.

                A new system developed during the reconstruction era called sharecropping. During the establishment of this new system, African Americans were limited other occupations other than servitude or farming. Sharecropping was an economic system that allowed a tenant to house African Americans in return of producing crops as payment. However under sharecropping, Majority of profit made was given to the landowners and about 5% or less was offered to the crop producers. Croppers were not satisfied with unfair payment and housing offered. As the Southern states concentrated on sharecropping, the northern states took its interest onto industrialization.

                The northern states concentrated on developing new machineries to make profits. In the southern states planting was done initially by hand. Whereas the northern states machineries were created to make these tasks easier and faster. Other machineries were created to perform different tasks such as the textile which weaved and or knitted fabric to create clothing. The northern states were becoming increasingly profitable and at faster rate compared to the southern states.

                As a student I have become more interested in the history of the reconstruction era following its after events. I have enjoyed this course so far throughout this semester and I am prepared to learn and discuss.