AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Positive Political Reconstruction (Day 152/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Positive Political Reconstruction as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Slaves of General Thomas F. Drayton, Wikimedia Commons

In the years after the Civil War, many changes were necessary as Southern society had based its economic, social, and political systems on the institution of slavery.

The Civil Rights Bill of 1866, Facing History

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 declared African Americans to be U.S. citizens and was a precursor to the 14th Amendment. While largely ignored, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 required equal accommodations in public places and prohibited the exclusion of African Americans from juries.

Reconstruction Act Military Districts, Britannica

In 1867, the Reconstruction Acts divided the South into 5 districts to be controlled by the Union army. Additionally it required states to give suffrage to all adult males and ratify the 14th Amendment.

“Shall We Call Home Our Troops,” Wikimedia Commons

As a result of increased violence toward African Americans, the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871 were passed. They attempted to protect the constitutional rights of African Americans.

While legislative changes were not fully implemented or enforced, the Reconstruction, Civil Rights, and Enforcement Acts began the slow legal process of enacting change for African Americans after the Civil War.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Negative Political Reconstruction in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!