Reconstruction

Definition

The period of time after the Civil War when the United States worked to rebuild and reunite the country. It aimed to address issues such as integrating newly freed slaves into society, rebuilding Southern infrastructure, and establishing new state governments.

Related terms

Thirteenth Amendment: This amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

Fifteenth Amendment: This amendment granted African American men the right to vote.

Jim Crow laws: These were laws enacted in Southern states that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans.