HIS 202 Chapter 14: Ch. 14 Notes
Document Summary
The period of reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1877, a total of 12 years. Union troops arrived to southern plantations, and would employ blacks after the southerners fled. When the southerners returned, blacks generally refused to work for them. If forced, they insisted on negotiating on their wages. They erected many black churches, and were very joyous. After union troops left, southern plantation owners would violently mistreat blacks who they thought were overly joyous at their freedom. Despite their punishment for acting free, blacks actively pursued emancipation. Many government agencies arose to help ex-slaves pursue their new freedom, helping them on their feet. Many black families were reunited, husbands and wives wed, and unhappy forced relationships ended. Almost every building was made into an education center of some sort, as many blacks searched for knowledge and education. By 1880, a quarter of blacks were literate, and many used their literacy to read the bible and become ministers.
