Reconstruction and Its Effects
(Ch.4, Sec.4)
1. Conflict Between Johnson & Congress
2. Conditions in the South at War’s End
3. The Collapse of Reconstruction
Why did conflict between Johnson &
Congress end with his impeachment?
• Congress passed Reconstruction Act of 1867
• Congress passed 3 amendments to guarantee
the rights of African Americans (13,14, &15)
• Southern states had to grant voting to African
American men & ratify 14th amendment
• Congress felt President Johnson was trying to
block reconstruction efforts (Tenure of Office
Act), so they had him impeached
What were conditions like in the South
after the war ended?
• South’s economy was devastated (farms lay in ruin)
• The South’s population had been decimated by the
loss of life during the war
• Lack of unity between Republicans, carpetbaggers, &
African Americans hurt reconstruction efforts
• African Americans were able to found their own
churches & establish public schools to educate them
• African Americans took active roles in the political
process (voted and held offices)
African Americans registering to vote
in the South.
African Americans churches became
centers for the community.
KKK members burning a cross to make
a statement.
What led to the collapse of
reconstruction?
• Violent opposition to reconstruction by
vigilante groups like the KKK
• Passage of Amnesty Act (1872) allowed
Southern Democrats to regain political control
• A bank panic in 1873 (5-year depression)
diverted attention from Reconstruction
• Reconstruction ended in 1877 and the South
passed laws (Jim Crow) to strip blacks of their
rights