the problems of peacemaking the south in 1865 was a desolate place after the war, plantations...

The Problems of PeacemakingThe Problems of Peacemaking

The South in 1865 was a desolate place after the war, The South in 1865 was a desolate place after the war, plantations burned, fields neglected, railroads plantations burned, fields neglected, railroads destroyed, white southerners were stripped of their destroyed, white southerners were stripped of their slaves through emancipation, the capital they had slaves through emancipation, the capital they had invested in Confederate bonds and currency was no invested in Confederate bonds and currency was no worthless, many families had to rebuild without the worthless, many families had to rebuild without the help of adult males, more than 20% of the adult male help of adult males, more than 20% of the adult male population died, some southerners faced starvation population died, some southerners faced starvation and homelessness, many women mourned their losses and homelessness, many women mourned their losses for a number of yearsfor a number of years

Charleston, SC 1865


Romanticized the "Lost Cause", looked back Romanticized the "Lost Cause", looked back with nostalgia for the society of the South with nostalgia for the society of the South before the war, Lee, Jackson and Davis treated before the war, Lee, Jackson and Davis treated with extraordinary reverence almost religious with extraordinary reverence almost religious icons, built monuments to their war dead in icons, built monuments to their war dead in town squares all throughout the South, this town squares all throughout the South, this tremendous sense of loss reinforced the tremendous sense of loss reinforced the determination of many whites to protect what determination of many whites to protect what remained of their now vanished worldremained of their now vanished world


During the war thousands of slaves took During the war thousands of slaves took advantage of wartime disruptions to leave their advantage of wartime disruptions to leave their owners in search of freedom, nearly 200,000 owners in search of freedom, nearly 200,000 slaves had fought for the Union and 38,000 slaves had fought for the Union and 38,000 had died, others worked as spies or scouts for had died, others worked as spies or scouts for the Union in the Souththe Union in the South


After the war thousands of free slaves left their After the war thousands of free slaves left their plantations, they had nothing except the plantations, they had nothing except the clothes on their backs, owned no land or clothes on their backs, owned no land or property, roamed the countryside, searched for property, roamed the countryside, searched for relatives, relatives,


For African Americans freedom meant an end to For African Americans freedom meant an end to slavery and all the injustices and humiliation they slavery and all the injustices and humiliation they associated with it, it also meant the acquisition of associated with it, it also meant the acquisition of rights and protections that would allow them to live rights and protections that would allow them to live as free men and women in the same way that white as free men and women in the same way that white people did, but they differed on how to achieve that people did, but they differed on how to achieve that goal, some wanted a redistribution of economic goal, some wanted a redistribution of economic resources, especially land, others asked simply for resources, especially land, others asked simply for legal equality – all were united in desire for legal equality – all were united in desire for independence from white controlindependence from white control


Freed blacks immediately created autonomous Freed blacks immediately created autonomous African-American communities, they African-American communities, they established their own churches, they created established their own churches, they created fraternal, benevolent mutual aid societies, fraternal, benevolent mutual aid societies, where they could they began their own schoolswhere they could they began their own schools


For many white southerners freedom meant For many white southerners freedom meant the ability to control their own destinies the ability to control their own destinies without interference from the North or the without interference from the North or the federal government, many white planters federal government, many white planters wanted to continue slavery by keeping black wanted to continue slavery by keeping black workers tied to plantations, they were fighting workers tied to plantations, they were fighting above all to preserve local/regional autonomy above all to preserve local/regional autonomy and white supremacyand white supremacy


After the war, the federal government kept After the war, the federal government kept troops in the South to preserve order and to troops in the South to preserve order and to protect the freedmen, the Freedmen's Bureau protect the freedmen, the Freedmen's Bureau directed by Oliver Howard, distributed food to directed by Oliver Howard, distributed food to millions of former slaves, established schools, millions of former slaves, established schools, made modest efforts to settle blacks on land of made modest efforts to settle blacks on land of their own – it authority to operate for only one their own – it authority to operate for only one year, and was too small to solve the major year, and was too small to solve the major problemsproblems


Readmitting the South would weaken the Readmitting the South would weaken the Republicans and jeopardize their program of Republicans and jeopardize their program of nationalistic economic legislation – western nationalistic economic legislation – western railroads, protective tariffs, banking and railroads, protective tariffs, banking and currency reforms – that benefited northern currency reforms – that benefited northern business leaders and industrialistsbusiness leaders and industrialists


Many northerners believed that the South Many northerners believed that the South should be punished in some way for the should be punished in some way for the suffering and sacrifice its rebellion had caused, suffering and sacrifice its rebellion had caused, also believed that the South should be also believed that the South should be transformed, its supposed backward, feudal, transformed, its supposed backward, feudal, undemocratic society civilized and modernizedundemocratic society civilized and modernized


Republican Conservatives believed that the Republican Conservatives believed that the South should accept the abolition of slavery, South should accept the abolition of slavery, but proposed few other conditions for the but proposed few other conditions for the readmission of the seceded statesreadmission of the seceded states


Republican Radicals, led by Thaddeus Stevens (PA) Republican Radicals, led by Thaddeus Stevens (PA) and Charles Sumner (MA) urged that civil and and Charles Sumner (MA) urged that civil and military leaders of Confederacy be punished, that military leaders of Confederacy be punished, that large numbers of whites be disenfranchised, that the large numbers of whites be disenfranchised, that the legal rights of blacks be protected, that property of legal rights of blacks be protected, that property of wealthy white southerners who had supported the wealthy white southerners who had supported the Confederacy be confiscated and distributed among Confederacy be confiscated and distributed among freemen, some also advocated the granting of freemen, some also advocated the granting of suffragesuffrage


Republican Moderates rejected the punitive Republican Moderates rejected the punitive goals of the Radicals, supported extracting at goals of the Radicals, supported extracting at least some concessions from the South on least some concessions from the South on black rightsblack rights


Lincoln believed in a lenient Reconstruction Lincoln believed in a lenient Reconstruction policy, which he thought would entice policy, which he thought would entice southern unionists and former Whigs to join southern unionists and former Whigs to join the Republican Party and thus offset the the Republican Party and thus offset the strength of the Democrats once they were strength of the Democrats once they were readmittedreadmitted


In December 1863, Lincoln offered a general In December 1863, Lincoln offered a general amnesty to white southerners (other than high amnesty to white southerners (other than high Confederate officials) who would pledge Confederate officials) who would pledge loyalty to the government and accept the loyalty to the government and accept the elimination of slaveryelimination of slavery


Lincoln’s 10% Plan – whenever 10% of the Lincoln’s 10% Plan – whenever 10% of the number of voters in 1860 took the oath in any number of voters in 1860 took the oath in any state those voters could set up a state state those voters could set up a state government, Lincoln also hoped to extend government, Lincoln also hoped to extend suffrage to those blacks who were educated, suffrage to those blacks who were educated, owned property, and had served in the Union owned property, and had served in the Union armyarmy


Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee, which Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee, which were all under Union army occupation, were all under Union army occupation, reestablished loyal governments under reestablished loyal governments under Lincoln’s plan in 1864Lincoln’s plan in 1864


The Radical Republicans were astonished at The Radical Republicans were astonished at the leniency of the Lincoln Plan and persuaded the leniency of the Lincoln Plan and persuaded Congress to deny seats to representatives from Congress to deny seats to representatives from those reconstructed states and refused to count those reconstructed states and refused to count the electoral vote of those states in the election the electoral vote of those states in the election of 1864of 1864


Wade-Davis Bill – authorized the president to Wade-Davis Bill – authorized the president to appoint a provisional governor for each appoint a provisional governor for each conquered state, when a majority of white conquered state, when a majority of white males (not Lincoln’s 10%) pledged allegiance males (not Lincoln’s 10%) pledged allegiance to the Union, the governor could summon a to the Union, the governor could summon a state constitutional convention, whose state constitutional convention, whose delegates were to be elected by those who delegates were to be elected by those who swore that they had never borne arms against swore that they had never borne arms against the United States (the Ironclad Oath)the United States (the Ironclad Oath)


The new state constitutions would have to The new state constitutions would have to abolish slavery, disfranchise Confederate civil abolish slavery, disfranchise Confederate civil and military leaders, and repudiate debts and military leaders, and repudiate debts accumulated by the states during the Civil accumulated by the states during the Civil War, Lincoln disposed of the Wade-Davis bill War, Lincoln disposed of the Wade-Davis bill with a pocket veto and enraged the Radical with a pocket veto and enraged the Radical Republican leaders in CongressRepublican leaders in Congress

The Problems of PeacemakingThe Problems of Peacemaking April 14,1865 – John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the head at April 14,1865 – John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the head at

Ford’s Theater in Washington DC, producing something close Ford’s Theater in Washington DC, producing something close to hysteria throughout the North, the murder of the President to hysteria throughout the North, the murder of the President seemed evidence of an even greater conspiracy masterminded seemed evidence of an even greater conspiracy masterminded and directed by the unrepentant leaders of the defeated Southand directed by the unrepentant leaders of the defeated South


Andrew Johnson succeeded Lincoln, a former Andrew Johnson succeeded Lincoln, a former Democrat until he joined the Union ticket with Democrat until he joined the Union ticket with Lincoln, he was openly hostile to the freed Lincoln, he was openly hostile to the freed slaves and unwilling to support plans that slaves and unwilling to support plans that guaranteed them civil equality or guaranteed them civil equality or enfranchisement, “White men alone must enfranchisement, “White men alone must manage the South”manage the South”


Johnson's Plan for Restoration – implemented during the Johnson's Plan for Restoration – implemented during the summer of 1865 when Congress was in recess, he offered summer of 1865 when Congress was in recess, he offered amnesty to those southerners who would take an oath of amnesty to those southerners who would take an oath of allegiance (high-ranking Confederate officials and any allegiance (high-ranking Confederate officials and any white southerner with land worth $20,000 or more would white southerner with land worth $20,000 or more would have to apply to the President for individual pardons), have to apply to the President for individual pardons), resembled the Wade- Davis bill, the President appointed resembled the Wade- Davis bill, the President appointed a provisional governor who was to invite qualified voters a provisional governor who was to invite qualified voters to elect delegates to a constitutional convention, he to elect delegates to a constitutional convention, he implied that a majority of white voters would have to implied that a majority of white voters would have to take the oath in order to participate in this processtake the oath in order to participate in this process


In order for a state to gain readmission to the In order for a state to gain readmission to the Union, it would have to revoke its ordinance Union, it would have to revoke its ordinance of secession, abolish slavery, ratify the 13th of secession, abolish slavery, ratify the 13th Amendment and repudiate the Confederate Amendment and repudiate the Confederate and state war debts, then they could elect a and state war debts, then they could elect a state government and send representatives to state government and send representatives to CongressCongress


By the end of 1865 all the seceded states had By the end of 1865 all the seceded states had formed new governments and were ready to formed new governments and were ready to rejoin the Union as soon as Congress rejoin the Union as soon as Congress recognized them, but the Radical Republicans recognized them, but the Radical Republicans would not recognize any of the Johnson would not recognize any of the Johnson governments just like they refused to governments just like they refused to recognize the Lincoln governmentsrecognize the Lincoln governments


Northern opinion had become more hostile Northern opinion had become more hostile toward the South, they were disturbed by the toward the South, they were disturbed by the southern delegates apparent resistance to abolish southern delegates apparent resistance to abolish slavery, the refusal of all southern governments slavery, the refusal of all southern governments to grant suffrage to any blacks, and the election to grant suffrage to any blacks, and the election of prominent leaders of the Confederacy as state of prominent leaders of the Confederacy as state officials, especially Georgia’s election of officials, especially Georgia’s election of Alexander Stevens (the former Vice President Alexander Stevens (the former Vice President of the Confederacy) as a U.S. Senatorof the Confederacy) as a U.S. Senator

Radical ReconstructionRadical Reconstruction

Reconstruction under President Johnson Reconstruction under President Johnson (Presidential Reconstruction) continued only (Presidential Reconstruction) continued only until congress reconvened in December 1865, until congress reconvened in December 1865, at that point Congress refused to seat the at that point Congress refused to seat the representatives of the “restored” states and representatives of the “restored” states and created a Joint Committee on Reconstruction, created a Joint Committee on Reconstruction, which would begin the period of which would begin the period of Congressional or Radical ReconstructionCongressional or Radical Reconstruction


Throughout 1865 and early 1866, southern state Throughout 1865 and early 1866, southern state legislatures were enacting sets of laws known as the legislatures were enacting sets of laws known as the Black Codes designed to give whites substantial Black Codes designed to give whites substantial control over the former slaves, the Codes authorized control over the former slaves, the Codes authorized local officials to apprehend unemployed blacks, fine local officials to apprehend unemployed blacks, fine them for vagrancy, and hire them out to private them for vagrancy, and hire them out to private employers to satisfy the fine, other Codes forbade employers to satisfy the fine, other Codes forbade blacks to own or lease farms, or to take any jobs other blacks to own or lease farms, or to take any jobs other than as plantation workers or domestic servantsthan as plantation workers or domestic servants


Congress originally responded by extending Congress originally responded by extending the life of the Freedmen’s Bureau and the life of the Freedmen’s Bureau and widening its powers so that it could nullify widening its powers so that it could nullify work agreements forced on freedmen under work agreements forced on freedmen under the Black Codesthe Black Codes


Then in April 1866, Congress passed first Civil Then in April 1866, Congress passed first Civil Rights Act which declared blacks to be Rights Act which declared blacks to be citizens of the US and gave federal citizens of the US and gave federal government power to intervene in state affairs government power to intervene in state affairs to protect rights of citizens, President Johnson to protect rights of citizens, President Johnson vetoed both bills but Congress overrode his vetoed both bills but Congress overrode his veto each timeveto each time


The 14th Amendment offered the first The 14th Amendment offered the first constitutional definition of citizenship, constitutional definition of citizenship, everyone born in the US and everyone everyone born in the US and everyone naturalized is automatically a citizen and naturalized is automatically a citizen and entitled to all the “privileges and immunities” entitled to all the “privileges and immunities” guaranteed by the Constitution, including guaranteed by the Constitution, including equal protection of the laws by both the state equal protection of the laws by both the state and national governments.and national governments.


The amendment also imposed penalties such The amendment also imposed penalties such as the reduction of representation in Congress as the reduction of representation in Congress and in the Electoral College on any state that and in the Electoral College on any state that denied suffrage to any adult male inhabitant, it denied suffrage to any adult male inhabitant, it also prohibited former members of Congress also prohibited former members of Congress or other former federal officials who had aided or other former federal officials who had aided the Confederacy from holding any state or the Confederacy from holding any state or federal office without 2/3 of the Congress federal office without 2/3 of the Congress voted to pardon themvoted to pardon them


Congressional Radicals offered to readmit to Congressional Radicals offered to readmit to the Union any state whose legislature ratified the Union any state whose legislature ratified the 14th Amendment, only Tennessee ratified the 14th Amendment, only Tennessee ratified it, all other Confederate states refused to do so it, all other Confederate states refused to do so (including Delaware and Kentucky)(including Delaware and Kentucky)


Bloody race riots broke out in southern cities Bloody race riots broke out in southern cities (New Orleans especially) in which African (New Orleans especially) in which African Americans were the principle victims, Americans were the principle victims, strengthened the Radicals hand going in to the strengthened the Radicals hand going in to the 1866 Congressional Election1866 Congressional Election


In the 1866 Congressional Election President In the 1866 Congressional Election President Johnson campaigned for conservative Johnson campaigned for conservative candidates, but in the end voters returned an candidates, but in the end voters returned an overwhelming Republican majority to overwhelming Republican majority to Congress (42 – 11 in the Senate, and 143 – 49 Congress (42 – 11 in the Senate, and 143 – 49 in the House) Congressional Republicans were in the House) Congressional Republicans were now strong enough to enact a reconstruction now strong enough to enact a reconstruction plan of their own even over the presidents plan of their own even over the presidents objectionobjection


Under the Congressional Plan of reconstruction Under the Congressional Plan of reconstruction Tennessee was readmitted into the Union, but Tennessee was readmitted into the Union, but Congress rejected the 10 remaining states Congress rejected the 10 remaining states governments created under the Lincoln-Johnson governments created under the Lincoln-Johnson plans, and combined the remaining Confederate states plans, and combined the remaining Confederate states into 5 military districts, a military commander into 5 military districts, a military commander governed each district and registered all qualified governed each district and registered all qualified voters (all adult black males and white males who had voters (all adult black males and white males who had not participated in the rebellion)not participated in the rebellion)

Reconstruction 1866-1877


Once registered these voters would elect Once registered these voters would elect conventions and write new state constitutions conventions and write new state constitutions which had to include provisions for black which had to include provisions for black suffrage, once Congress approved the new state suffrage, once Congress approved the new state government and that state ratified the 14th government and that state ratified the 14th Amendment it would be readmitted to the Union, Amendment it would be readmitted to the Union, by 1868 seven of the remaining ten confederate by 1868 seven of the remaining ten confederate states had done so and were readmitted (Texas, states had done so and were readmitted (Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia did not)Mississippi, and Virginia did not)


By then Congress had added another By then Congress had added another requirement for readmission to the Union, requirement for readmission to the Union, passage of the 15th Amendment, which passage of the 15th Amendment, which forbade the states and federal government to forbade the states and federal government to deny suffrage to any citizen on account of deny suffrage to any citizen on account of "race, color or previous conditions of "race, color or previous conditions of servitude"servitude"


Radical Republicans Radical Republicans passed two laws to passed two laws to prevent the President prevent the President from interfering with from interfering with their plans, these their plans, these were passed over were passed over Johnson’s vetoJohnson’s veto


The Tenure of Office Act (1867) forbade the The Tenure of Office Act (1867) forbade the president from removing civil officials, president from removing civil officials, including members of his own Cabinet, including members of his own Cabinet, without the consent of the Senate, the purpose without the consent of the Senate, the purpose of the law was to protect Secretary of War of the law was to protect Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, who was cooperating with the Edwin Stanton, who was cooperating with the RadicalsRadicals


The Command of the Army Act (1867) The Command of the Army Act (1867) prohibited the President from issuing military prohibited the President from issuing military orders except through the commanding general orders except through the commanding general of the army (Grant), who could not be relieved of the army (Grant), who could not be relieved or assigned elsewhere without the consent of or assigned elsewhere without the consent of the Senatethe Senate


The Radicals believed that Johnson was an The Radicals believed that Johnson was an impediment to their plans, so they began to impediment to their plans, so they began to search for a way to impeach him, Johnson search for a way to impeach him, Johnson gave them the reason they were looking for gave them the reason they were looking for when he fired Secretary of War Stanton when he fired Secretary of War Stanton without the consent of the Senate, violating the without the consent of the Senate, violating the Tenure of Office Act, and hoping to test the Tenure of Office Act, and hoping to test the law before the courtslaw before the courts


House Radicals quickly impeached President House Radicals quickly impeached President Johnson and sent the case to the Senate for Johnson and sent the case to the Senate for trial which began in the spring of 1868, the trial which began in the spring of 1868, the Radicals put heavy pressure on all Republicans Radicals put heavy pressure on all Republicans but Moderates were beginning to lose faith in but Moderates were beginning to lose faith in the Radical plan for reconstruction, several the Radical plan for reconstruction, several Moderates joined with the Democrats making Moderates joined with the Democrats making the vote for impeachment 35 – 19, one vote the vote for impeachment 35 – 19, one vote short of the 2/3rd requirement for removalshort of the 2/3rd requirement for removal

The South in ReconstructionThe South in Reconstruction

When white southerners referred to When white southerners referred to Reconstruction they were talking about the Reconstruction they were talking about the state governments Congress helped impose on state governments Congress helped impose on them, these governments they believed were them, these governments they believed were incompetent and corrupt, they saddled the incompetent and corrupt, they saddled the region with enormous debts and trampled on region with enormous debts and trampled on the rights of the citizensthe rights of the citizens


When black southerners referred to When black southerners referred to Reconstruction they were talking about the Reconstruction they were talking about the failure of the national and state governments to failure of the national and state governments to go far enough to guarantee freedmen even the go far enough to guarantee freedmen even the most elemental rights of citizenship, a failure most elemental rights of citizenship, a failure that resulted in harsh new system of economic that resulted in harsh new system of economic subordinationsubordination


10 states were reorganized under the Congressional 10 states were reorganized under the Congressional plan 25% of white males were excluded from voting plan 25% of white males were excluded from voting or holding office, which produced a black majority or holding office, which produced a black majority among voters in Mississippi, South Carolina, among voters in Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, but these Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, but these governments soon lifted most suffrage restrictions so governments soon lifted most suffrage restrictions so that nearly all white males could vote, after this that nearly all white males could vote, after this Republicans could only remain in control with the Republicans could only remain in control with the support of southern whitessupport of southern whites


Scalawags were southern white Republicans Scalawags were southern white Republicans largely former Whigs who had never felt largely former Whigs who had never felt comfortable in the Democratic Party, wealthy comfortable in the Democratic Party, wealthy planters interested in the economic planters interested in the economic development of the region, poor farmers who development of the region, poor farmers who wanted internal improvements and believed wanted internal improvements and believed Republicans would serve their economic Republicans would serve their economic interests better than Democratsinterests better than Democrats


Carpetbaggers were whites from the North Carpetbaggers were whites from the North who served as Republicans in the South, well who served as Republicans in the South, well educated people of middle-class (doctors, educated people of middle-class (doctors, lawyers, teachers), veterans of the Union who lawyers, teachers), veterans of the Union who looked on the South as a new frontier more looked on the South as a new frontier more promising than the Westpromising than the West


Most numerous Republicans in the South were black Most numerous Republicans in the South were black freedmen who held "colored conventions" advocating freedmen who held "colored conventions" advocating equal rights, black churches served to give unity to equal rights, black churches served to give unity to the freedmen, many served in public offices, both in the freedmen, many served in public offices, both in the House and Senate of Congress (Hiram Revels and the House and Senate of Congress (Hiram Revels and Blanche Bruce - MS), whites referred to this time Blanche Bruce - MS), whites referred to this time period as “negro rule”, but no black was ever elected period as “negro rule”, but no black was ever elected governor of Southern state or did they have a governor of Southern state or did they have a majority in any state legislaturemajority in any state legislature


Critics contend that reconstruction Critics contend that reconstruction governments were corrupt and financially governments were corrupt and financially extravagant, but no more so than the extravagant, but no more so than the corruption that pervaded northern state corruption that pervaded northern state governments during the same time period and governments during the same time period and resulted from a rapid expansion of government resulted from a rapid expansion of government servicesservices


Southern state governments attempted to Southern state governments attempted to provide public education, public works provide public education, public works programs, poor relief, and other costly new programs, poor relief, and other costly new commitments that antebellum governments commitments that antebellum governments had never offered (South Carolina’s debt went had never offered (South Carolina’s debt went from $7 million to $29 million in 8 years)from $7 million to $29 million in 8 years)


Dramatic improvement in southern education Dramatic improvement in southern education created a large network of schools for former created a large network of schools for former slaves, largely staffed by the Freedmen’s slaves, largely staffed by the Freedmen’s Bureau or white northerners who came south Bureau or white northerners who came south to help, there were 4,000 schools and 9,000 to help, there were 4,000 schools and 9,000 teachers teaching 200,000 students by 1870, teachers teaching 200,000 students by 1870, over the objections of whites who didn’t want over the objections of whites who didn’t want to give blacks “false notions of equality”to give blacks “false notions of equality”


In the 1870’s public school systems were In the 1870’s public school systems were teaching over 50% of white children and 40% teaching over 50% of white children and 40% of black children, but in predominantly of black children, but in predominantly segregated schools, whites simply stayed away segregated schools, whites simply stayed away and would not send their children to school and would not send their children to school with blackswith blacks


Several black “academies” began operating, offering more Several black “academies” began operating, offering more advanced education, these would become advanced education, these would become Fisk UniversityFisk University and and Morehouse CollegeMorehouse College


One major goal of Reconstruction was the One major goal of Reconstruction was the redistribution of land to the freedmen, the redistribution of land to the freedmen, the Freedmen’s Bureau did oversee the Freedmen’s Bureau did oversee the redistribution of land in places like the Sea redistribution of land in places like the Sea Islands of Georgia and parts of Mississippi, by Islands of Georgia and parts of Mississippi, by 1865 the Freedman’s Bureau had settled 1865 the Freedman’s Bureau had settled 10,000 freedmen on their own 10,000 freedmen on their own


Some freedmen began to dream of “40 acres and a Some freedmen began to dream of “40 acres and a mule”, however by 1866, southern plantation owners mule”, however by 1866, southern plantation owners were returning to their farms and demanding the were returning to their farms and demanding the restoration of their property, President Johnson was restoration of their property, President Johnson was supporting them, very few northern Republicans supporting them, very few northern Republicans believed that the federal government had the right to believed that the federal government had the right to confiscate property, white landownership went from confiscate property, white landownership went from 80% to 67% while black landownership went from 80% to 67% while black landownership went from 0% to 20%0% to 20%


Most blacks and poor whites did not own their own land, they Most blacks and poor whites did not own their own land, they worked for others in one form or another for wages, most worked for others in one form or another for wages, most however became tenants of white landlords, Sharecropping – however became tenants of white landlords, Sharecropping – most worked their own plots of land and paid their landlords most worked their own plots of land and paid their landlords either a fixed rent or a share of the crop, as tenants and either a fixed rent or a share of the crop, as tenants and sharecroppers blacks enjoyed at least a physical independence sharecroppers blacks enjoyed at least a physical independence from their landlords and worked their own land even if they from their landlords and worked their own land even if they could never dream of actually owning it, landlords were could never dream of actually owning it, landlords were relieved of any responsibility for the physical well-being of relieved of any responsibility for the physical well-being of their workerstheir workers


After the Civil War the per capita income of After the Civil War the per capita income of southern blacks rose 46%, while the per capita southern blacks rose 46%, while the per capita income of southern whites declined by 35%, income of southern whites declined by 35%, the total profits of the southern economy was the total profits of the southern economy was declining following the war, the black labor declining following the war, the black labor force worked about 1/3 fewer hours than under force worked about 1/3 fewer hours than under slavery, however these gains were wiped out slavery, however these gains were wiped out by the crop-lien systemby the crop-lien system


New system of credit emerged after the Civil New system of credit emerged after the Civil War that centered around local country stores, War that centered around local country stores, all southerners depended on these country stores all southerners depended on these country stores for food, clothing, seed, and farm implements, for food, clothing, seed, and farm implements, customers usually had to rely on credit from customers usually had to rely on credit from these merchants in order to purchase what they these merchants in order to purchase what they needed, merchants went out of their way to needed, merchants went out of their way to insure that the had no competition, allowed insure that the had no competition, allowed them to set interest rates as high as 50, or 60%them to set interest rates as high as 50, or 60%


Crop-Lien System – farmers had to give the Crop-Lien System – farmers had to give the merchants a lien (claim) on their crops as collateral merchants a lien (claim) on their crops as collateral for the loans they needed to purchase supplies, blacks for the loans they needed to purchase supplies, blacks lost land as they fell into debt, southern farmers lost land as they fell into debt, southern farmers became almost wholly dependent on cash crops became almost wholly dependent on cash crops (cotton) because on these crops offered any hope of (cotton) because on these crops offered any hope of getting out of debt, led to a exhaustion of the land, getting out of debt, led to a exhaustion of the land, not only did the crop-lien system impoverish farmers not only did the crop-lien system impoverish farmers it also caused a decline in southern agricultural it also caused a decline in southern agricultural productionproduction

Cotton ProductionCotton Production

The Crop-Lien System in 1880The Crop-Lien System in 1880


Blacks in Reconstruction made a tremendous effort to Blacks in Reconstruction made a tremendous effort to rebuild family structures and protect them from the rebuild family structures and protect them from the interference that occurred under slavery, blacks left interference that occurred under slavery, blacks left plantations by the thousands to find loved ones, plantations by the thousands to find loved ones, marriages were recognized by churches and by the marriages were recognized by churches and by the law, women and children ceased working in the fields law, women and children ceased working in the fields believing it was reminiscent of slavery, but economic believing it was reminiscent of slavery, but economic necessity caused 60% of all black women over the necessity caused 60% of all black women over the age of sixteen to work for wagesage of sixteen to work for wages

The Grant AdministrationThe Grant Administration

Election of 1868 – the Republican nominee Election of 1868 – the Republican nominee was Ulysses S. Grant, the Democrats was Ulysses S. Grant, the Democrats nominated governor Horatio Seymour of New nominated governor Horatio Seymour of New York, Grant won by a narrow margin York, Grant won by a narrow margin supported by 500,000 black Republican voters supported by 500,000 black Republican voters in the Southin the South


Grant entered the White House with no political Grant entered the White House with no political experience, except for Secretary of State Hamilton experience, except for Secretary of State Hamilton Fish the members of his cabinet were ill equipped for Fish the members of his cabinet were ill equipped for their tasks, Grant relied on established party leaders their tasks, Grant relied on established party leaders for advice but they were more interested in patronage, for advice but they were more interested in patronage, Grant’s administration used the spoils system even Grant’s administration used the spoils system even more blatantly than earlier administrations, Grant more blatantly than earlier administrations, Grant continued to support Radical Reconstruction even continued to support Radical Reconstruction even though the North was tiring of those policiesthough the North was tiring of those policies


By the end of his first term Liberal By the end of his first term Liberal Republicans had came to oppose "Grantism" – Republicans had came to oppose "Grantism" – in the election of 1872 bolted the party and in the election of 1872 bolted the party and nominated Horace Greeley, the Democrats nominated Horace Greeley, the Democrats nominated him as well forming an alliance nominated him as well forming an alliance with the Liberal Republicans but Grant won with the Liberal Republicans but Grant won once again in 1872 by a vote of 286 – 66 in the once again in 1872 by a vote of 286 – 66 in the electoral college (56% of the popular vote)electoral college (56% of the popular vote)


The Credit Mobilier scandal centered around a The Credit Mobilier scandal centered around a construction company that obtained fraudulent construction company that obtained fraudulent contracts from the Union Pacific (of which contracts from the Union Pacific (of which they were stockholders) these contracts were they were stockholders) these contracts were worth millions, the directors of Credit worth millions, the directors of Credit Mobilier gave stock to key members of Mobilier gave stock to key members of Congress (and Schuyler Colfax, Grant’s VP) to Congress (and Schuyler Colfax, Grant’s VP) to prevent investigations of the contractsprevent investigations of the contracts


The Whiskey Ring centered around officials in The Whiskey Ring centered around officials in Grant’s administration and whiskey distillers Grant’s administration and whiskey distillers filing false tax reports and keeping the filing false tax reports and keeping the difference, the Indian Ring centered around difference, the Indian Ring centered around the Secretary of War (Belknap) taking bribes the Secretary of War (Belknap) taking bribes to keep in place unscrupulous Indian post to keep in place unscrupulous Indian post traderstraders


Panic of 1873 began with the failure of a leading Panic of 1873 began with the failure of a leading investment firm (Jay Cooke and Company) which investment firm (Jay Cooke and Company) which had invested too heavily in postwar railroad building, had invested too heavily in postwar railroad building, this depression lasted for four years, debtors now this depression lasted for four years, debtors now pressured the government to redeem federal war pressured the government to redeem federal war bonds with greenbacks which would increase the bonds with greenbacks which would increase the amount of currency in circulation, Grant and most amount of currency in circulation, Grant and most Republicans wanted a sound currency based on gold Republicans wanted a sound currency based on gold reserves which would favor the interests of banks and reserves which would favor the interests of banks and other creditorsother creditors


Specie Redemption Act (1875) – provided that Specie Redemption Act (1875) – provided that after Jan. 1,1879 the greenback dollars (whose after Jan. 1,1879 the greenback dollars (whose value constantly fluctuated) would be value constantly fluctuated) would be redeemed by the government and replaced redeemed by the government and replaced with new certificates firmly pegged to the with new certificates firmly pegged to the price of gold, “resumption” made things more price of gold, “resumption” made things more difficult for debtors, because the gold-based difficult for debtors, because the gold-based money supply could not easily expandmoney supply could not easily expand


In 1875, the Greenbackers (people who In 1875, the Greenbackers (people who wanted the inflation of paper currency) formed wanted the inflation of paper currency) formed their own political organization, National their own political organization, National Greenback Party, failed to gain widespread Greenback Party, failed to gain widespread support, but the money question will remain support, but the money question will remain active for the rest of the 1800’sactive for the rest of the 1800’s


Secretary of State William Seward was an Secretary of State William Seward was an ardent expansionist, accepted a Russian offer ardent expansionist, accepted a Russian offer to sell Alaska to the U.S. for 7.2 million (many to sell Alaska to the U.S. for 7.2 million (many described this as Seward’s Folly due to its described this as Seward’s Folly due to its barrenness), and annexed the Midway Islands barrenness), and annexed the Midway Islands in 1867in 1867


Secretary of State Hamilton Fish tried to resolve the Secretary of State Hamilton Fish tried to resolve the longstanding controversy with England over American claims longstanding controversy with England over American claims that it had violated neutrality laws during the Civil War by that it had violated neutrality laws during the Civil War by permitting English shipyards to build ships (notably the permitting English shipyards to build ships (notably the Alabama) for the Confederacy which resulted in American Alabama) for the Confederacy which resulted in American demands that the British pay for the damages caused by the demands that the British pay for the damages caused by the Alabama (the Alabama claims) which were resolved by the Alabama (the Alabama claims) which were resolved by the Treaty of Washington which provided international arbitration Treaty of Washington which provided international arbitration for the damages, and England expressed regret for the escape for the damages, and England expressed regret for the escape of the Alabamaof the Alabama

The Abandonment of The Abandonment of ReconstructionReconstruction

The Grant administration continued to protect The Grant administration continued to protect Republican governments in the South, not Republican governments in the South, not because it wanted to improve the position of because it wanted to improve the position of the freedmen, but because it wanted to prevent the freedmen, but because it wanted to prevent the reemergence of a strong Democratic partythe reemergence of a strong Democratic party


By the time Grant had left office, Democrats By the time Grant had left office, Democrats had "redeemed" 7 of the 11 former had "redeemed" 7 of the 11 former Confederate states, for the other states (South Confederate states, for the other states (South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana) the end of Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana) the end of Reconstruction would occur when the last of Reconstruction would occur when the last of the federal troops left in 1876 (Tennessee was the federal troops left in 1876 (Tennessee was never a part of Congressional Reconstruction)never a part of Congressional Reconstruction)


““Redeemed” states were ones where there Redeemed” states were ones where there southern whites had regained suffrage and southern whites had regained suffrage and were a clear majority of the electorate (upper were a clear majority of the electorate (upper South), all that remained to do was organize South), all that remained to do was organize and vote for their candidates, if the two races and vote for their candidates, if the two races were equal or almost equal in terms of were equal or almost equal in terms of population, whites used intimidation and population, whites used intimidation and violence to prevailviolence to prevail


Secret societies such Secret societies such as the Ku Klux Klan, as the Ku Klux Klan, the Knights of the the Knights of the White Camellia, and White Camellia, and others used terrorism others used terrorism to frighten or to frighten or physically bar blacks physically bar blacks from voting or from voting or exercising citizenshipexercising citizenship


Paramilitary organizations such as the Red Paramilitary organizations such as the Red Shirts and White Leagues armed themselves to Shirts and White Leagues armed themselves to "police" elections and worked to force all "police" elections and worked to force all white males to join the Democratic Party and white males to join the Democratic Party and exclude blacks from political activityexclude blacks from political activity


The Ku Klux Klan was the largest and most effective The Ku Klux Klan was the largest and most effective of these organizations, its leaders devised rituals, of these organizations, its leaders devised rituals, costumes, secret languages, and other airs of mystery costumes, secret languages, and other airs of mystery to make it more terrifying to the freedmen it was to make it more terrifying to the freedmen it was trying to intimidate, the Klan’s Midnight Rides trying to intimidate, the Klan’s Midnight Rides created terror in black communities throughout the created terror in black communities throughout the South, many southerners viewed the Klan as a proud South, many southerners viewed the Klan as a proud patriotic society that was continuing the battle against patriotic society that was continuing the battle against northern rulenorthern rule


Even more effective than the Klan was simple Even more effective than the Klan was simple economic pressure, planters refused to rent economic pressure, planters refused to rent land to black Republicans, storekeepers land to black Republicans, storekeepers refused to extend them credit, employers refused to extend them credit, employers refused to give them workrefused to give them work


Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871 (Ku Klux Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871 (Ku Klux Klan Acts) prohibited the states from Klan Acts) prohibited the states from discriminating against voters on the basis of discriminating against voters on the basis of race and gave federal government power to race and gave federal government power to supersede the state courts and prosecute supersede the state courts and prosecute violations of the law.violations of the law.


Federal district courts were empowered to take Federal district courts were empowered to take action against conspiracies to deny African action against conspiracies to deny African Americans such rights as voting, holding office, Americans such rights as voting, holding office, and serving on juries, authorized the president and serving on juries, authorized the president to use the military to protect civil rights and to to use the military to protect civil rights and to suspend the right of habeas corpus when suspend the right of habeas corpus when violations of the rights seemed particularly violations of the rights seemed particularly egregious, by 1872 Klan violence against egregious, by 1872 Klan violence against blacks was in decline throughout the southblacks was in decline throughout the south


With the adoption of the 15th Amendment With the adoption of the 15th Amendment some reformers convinced themselves that some reformers convinced themselves that their long campaign on behalf of black people their long campaign on behalf of black people was now over, with the right to vote, blacks was now over, with the right to vote, blacks should be able to take of themselves should be able to take of themselves


Former Radical leaders such as Charles Former Radical leaders such as Charles Sumner and Horace Greeley, began calling Sumner and Horace Greeley, began calling themselves Liberals and started to cooperate themselves Liberals and started to cooperate with Democrats, within the south many white with Democrats, within the south many white Republicans joined the Liberals and even Republicans joined the Liberals and even moved into the Democratic partymoved into the Democratic party


Social Darwinism was a harsh theory that Social Darwinism was a harsh theory that argued that individuals who failed did so argued that individuals who failed did so because of their own weakness and “unfitness” because of their own weakness and “unfitness” - weakened commitment to Reconstruction - weakened commitment to Reconstruction program as it encouraged a broad critique of program as it encouraged a broad critique of government intervention in social and government intervention in social and economic lifeeconomic life


Support for land redistribution declines after Support for land redistribution declines after the Panic of 1873, willingness to spend federal the Panic of 1873, willingness to spend federal money to freedmen also declined, and money to freedmen also declined, and state/local governments began to find state/local governments began to find themselves short of money and began to cut themselves short of money and began to cut back on social servicesback on social services


In the Congressional election of 1874 Democrats won In the Congressional election of 1874 Democrats won control of the House of Representatives for the first control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 1861, by 1876 only 3 states were left in the time since 1861, by 1876 only 3 states were left in the hands of Republicans (South Carolina, Louisiana and hands of Republicans (South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida), and after the elections in 1876 Democrats Florida), and after the elections in 1876 Democrats had claimed victory in all three of those states, the had claimed victory in all three of those states, the Republicans as well claimed victory and were able to Republicans as well claimed victory and were able to stay in office because of the presence of federal stay in office because of the presence of federal troopstroops


In the Presidential Election of 1876 the In the Presidential Election of 1876 the Republicans nominated Rutherford B. Hayes Republicans nominated Rutherford B. Hayes (over Grant who wanted a third term), the (over Grant who wanted a third term), the Democrats united behind Samuel J. Tilden - Democrats united behind Samuel J. Tilden - both were committed to moderate government both were committed to moderate government reform, the November election produced reform, the November election produced apparent Democratic victory but disputed apparent Democratic victory but disputed returns from Louisiana, South Carolina, Oregon returns from Louisiana, South Carolina, Oregon and Florida threw the election in doubt. and Florida threw the election in doubt.

Election of 1876Election of 1876


Congress tried to break the deadlock by Congress tried to break the deadlock by creating a special electoral commission to creating a special electoral commission to judge the 20 disputed electoral college votes - judge the 20 disputed electoral college votes - independent seat went to a justice who had independent seat went to a justice who had sympathies for Republicans - all disputed sympathies for Republicans - all disputed votes went to Hayes along a party line vote of votes went to Hayes along a party line vote of 8 - 7, who won the election8 - 7, who won the election


Compromise of 1877 – Southern Democrats Compromise of 1877 – Southern Democrats exacted several pledges, in addition to the exacted several pledges, in addition to the withdrawal of the federal troops from the withdrawal of the federal troops from the South, the Democrats wanted the appointment South, the Democrats wanted the appointment of at least one southerner in Hayes cabinet, of at least one southerner in Hayes cabinet, control of federal patronage in their areas, control of federal patronage in their areas, generous internal improvements, and federal generous internal improvements, and federal aid for Texas and Pacific Railroadaid for Texas and Pacific Railroad


Hayes was called “his Fraudulency”, reflecting Hayes was called “his Fraudulency”, reflecting the fact that his election appeared was less the fact that his election appeared was less than honestthan honest


The withdrawal of federal troops signaled that The withdrawal of federal troops signaled that the national government was giving up its the national government was giving up its attempts to control southern politics and to attempts to control southern politics and to improve the lot of blacks in southern societyimprove the lot of blacks in southern society


Reconstruction was largely a failure, the Reconstruction was largely a failure, the experience so disappointed, disillusioned, and experience so disappointed, disillusioned, and embittered white Americans that it would be embittered white Americans that it would be nearly a century before they would try to nearly a century before they would try to address the problems of race relationsaddress the problems of race relations


Reconstruction failed for several reasons – a Reconstruction failed for several reasons – a veneration of the Constitution sharply limited the veneration of the Constitution sharply limited the willingness of national leaders to infringe upon the willingness of national leaders to infringe upon the rights of states and individuals, a profound respect for rights of states and individuals, a profound respect for private property and free enterprise prevented any private property and free enterprise prevented any real assault on economic privilege in the South, a real assault on economic privilege in the South, a belief among most whites that African Americans belief among most whites that African Americans were inherently inferior, however the 14th and 15th were inherently inferior, however the 14th and 15th Amendments are tremendous achievements of Amendments are tremendous achievements of ReconstructionReconstruction

The New SouthThe New South

By the end of 1877 every southern state By the end of 1877 every southern state government had been redeemed, that is government had been redeemed, that is political power was returned to the Democrats, political power was returned to the Democrats, this return to “Home Rule” meant that the this return to “Home Rule” meant that the Democratic party was the only viable political Democratic party was the only viable political organization for the whites in the Southorganization for the whites in the South


Political power in the South was soon more restricted Political power in the South was soon more restricted than any time since the Civil War, the south fell under than any time since the Civil War, the south fell under the control of a powerful, conservative oligarchy the control of a powerful, conservative oligarchy known as the Redeemers (or to their critics the known as the Redeemers (or to their critics the Bourbons) some were like the old aristocratic planter Bourbons) some were like the old aristocratic planter class, others were industrialists, merchants, railroad class, others were industrialists, merchants, railroad developers, and financiers who were socially developers, and financiers who were socially conservative but committed to economic conservative but committed to economic development.development.


They lowered taxes, reduced spending, They lowered taxes, reduced spending, drastically diminished state services, and cut drastically diminished state services, and cut back on funding for public schools, they were back on funding for public schools, they were challenged by the Readjusters who wanted to challenged by the Readjusters who wanted to maintain social spending (at least for whites) maintain social spending (at least for whites)


Henry Grady, editor of the Atlanta Henry Grady, editor of the Atlanta Constitution, argued that the reason the south Constitution, argued that the reason the south lost the war was that the south’s economy lost the war was that the south’s economy could not keep up with the north’s modernized could not keep up with the north’s modernized manufacturing capacity, therefore the south manufacturing capacity, therefore the south needed to “out-Yankee the Yankees” and build needed to “out-Yankee the Yankees” and build a New South, they promoted virtues of thrift, a New South, they promoted virtues of thrift, industry and progress which were viewed as industry and progress which were viewed as northern negatives before the warnorthern negatives before the war


Southern literature of the Southern literature of the time period was nostalgic time period was nostalgic for the old south, most for the old south, most whites embraced talk of the whites embraced talk of the “lost cause”, Joel Chandler “lost cause”, Joel Chandler Harris wrote Uncle Remus, Harris wrote Uncle Remus, romanticized the "Old romanticized the "Old South" and the racial South" and the racial harmony between the two harmony between the two racesraces


New South industrialists helped encourage New South industrialists helped encourage growth in the textile industry, the tobacco growth in the textile industry, the tobacco processing industry, and the iron and steel processing industry, and the iron and steel industry also grew, between 1880 and 1890 the industry also grew, between 1880 and 1890 the South more than doubled the amount of South more than doubled the amount of railroad trackage and in 1886 it changed the railroad trackage and in 1886 it changed the gauge of its tracks to match the northgauge of its tracks to match the north


Region had done no more than regain what it Region had done no more than regain what it had lost during the war, its share of national had lost during the war, its share of national manufacturing was what it was in 1860, the manufacturing was what it was in 1860, the average income in the south was 40% of that average income in the south was 40% of that of the north, those areas that had developed of the north, those areas that had developed after the war (textiles, iron, and railroads) were after the war (textiles, iron, and railroads) were financed by northern capitalfinanced by northern capital


Most factory workers were women, the heavy Most factory workers were women, the heavy male casualty rates in the Civil War created a male casualty rates in the Civil War created a labor shortage and critical need for jobs on the labor shortage and critical need for jobs on the part of women left behind, wages in the south part of women left behind, wages in the south were much lower than in the north, which was were much lower than in the north, which was very attractive to northern businesses, there very attractive to northern businesses, there was a very repressive attitude towards unions, was a very repressive attitude towards unions, and business owners work together to and business owners work together to eliminate competitioneliminate competition


Blacks were offered little opportunity to work Blacks were offered little opportunity to work in some industries, tobacco, iron and lumber in some industries, tobacco, iron and lumber industries allowed only the most menial and industries allowed only the most menial and lower paid positions to be offered to African lower paid positions to be offered to African AmericansAmericans


Convict Lease System – southern states leased Convict Lease System – southern states leased gangs of convicted criminals to private gangs of convicted criminals to private interests as a cheap labor supply, there was no interests as a cheap labor supply, there was no free labor force working on the railroad free labor force working on the railroad construction projects in the southconstruction projects in the south


By 1900 70% of all farmers in the south had By 1900 70% of all farmers in the south had became tenants or sharecroppers, the Crop-became tenants or sharecroppers, the Crop-Lien system contributed to harsh social and Lien system contributed to harsh social and economic conditions, farmers were constantly economic conditions, farmers were constantly in debt and had to rely on cash crops to try and in debt and had to rely on cash crops to try and get themselves out of debtget themselves out of debt


Many African Americans were attracted to the Many African Americans were attracted to the vision of progress and self-improvement of the vision of progress and self-improvement of the New South, some blacks succeeded in New South, some blacks succeeded in elevating themselves into the middle class, elevating themselves into the middle class, they acquired property, established small they acquired property, established small businesses, and entered professions serving businesses, and entered professions serving their own race, the cardinal tenant of this their own race, the cardinal tenant of this rising black middle class was that education rising black middle class was that education was vital to the future of their racewas vital to the future of their race


Booker T. Washington was the founder and Booker T. Washington was the founder and president of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, president of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, believed that African Americans should attend believed that African Americans should attend school, learn skills, industrial education should school, learn skills, industrial education should be their goal, they should adopt the standards be their goal, they should adopt the standards of the white middle classof the white middle class


Then once they have won the respect of the Then once they have won the respect of the whites they should press for larger social whites they should press for larger social gains, blacks should forgo agitating for gains, blacks should forgo agitating for political rights and concentrate on self-political rights and concentrate on self-improvement and preparation for equality improvement and preparation for equality “The wisest among my race understand that “The wisest among my race understand that the agitation of questions of social equality is the agitation of questions of social equality is the extremist folly”the extremist folly”


The Atlanta Compromise was built on self-The Atlanta Compromise was built on self-advancement through self-improvement, if advancement through self-improvement, if blacks were ever to win the rights and privileges blacks were ever to win the rights and privileges of citizenship they must first show that they of citizenship they must first show that they were “prepared for exercise of those privileges”, were “prepared for exercise of those privileges”, in this message is the implicit promise that in in this message is the implicit promise that in exchange for economic opportunity blacks exchange for economic opportunity blacks would not challenge the system of segregation would not challenge the system of segregation that was being created around themthat was being created around them


In the Civil Rights Cases of 1883, the Supreme In the Civil Rights Cases of 1883, the Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment Court ruled that the 14th Amendment prohibited state governments from prohibited state governments from discriminating against people because of race discriminating against people because of race but did not restrict private organizations or but did not restrict private organizations or individuals from doing so, thus railroads, individuals from doing so, thus railroads, hotels, theaters, etc. could legally practice hotels, theaters, etc. could legally practice segregationsegregation


In Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) the Supreme In Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) the Supreme Court ruled that segregation did not deprive Court ruled that segregation did not deprive blacks of rights if accommodations were blacks of rights if accommodations were equal, in Cumming v. County Board of equal, in Cumming v. County Board of Education (1899) the Supreme Court ruled that Education (1899) the Supreme Court ruled that laws establishing separate schools for whites laws establishing separate schools for whites were valid even if there were no schools for were valid even if there were no schools for blacks comparable to the white schoolsblacks comparable to the white schools

The New South The New South

White farmers began to demand White farmers began to demand disfranchisement of blacks, they believed their disfranchisement of blacks, they believed their voting rights were being used against them by voting rights were being used against them by the Bourbons, so ways to evade the 15th the Bourbons, so ways to evade the 15th Amendment had to be createdAmendment had to be created


Devised poll tax or some form of property Devised poll tax or some form of property qualifications, created literacy and qualifications, created literacy and understanding tests, by the 1890's the black understanding tests, by the 1890's the black vote had decreased by 60% and the white vote vote had decreased by 60% and the white vote decreased by 26%, so grandfather clauses were decreased by 26%, so grandfather clauses were created to just exclude blackscreated to just exclude blacks


Jim Crow Laws – laws restricting the franchise Jim Crow Laws – laws restricting the franchise and segregating schools, could not ride in and segregating schools, could not ride in same railroad cars, sit in same waiting rooms, same railroad cars, sit in same waiting rooms, use washrooms, eat at same restaurants – use washrooms, eat at same restaurants – means for whites to regain social control, if means for whites to regain social control, if these did not work lynchings were available to these did not work lynchings were available to keep blacks in their place which were seen as keep blacks in their place which were seen as an effective law-enforcement techniquean effective law-enforcement technique


Ida B. Wells was a Ida B. Wells was a committed black committed black journalist who journalist who launched what launched what became an became an international anti-international anti-lynching movementlynching movement

the problems of peacemaking the south in 1865 was a desolate place after the war, plantations...

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