How Did Reconstruction Change America's Economy

After the Civil War between 1865 and 1877, the country went into Reconstruction. They had to rebuild the south because of Sherman’s plan of total war. In Sherman’s plan, his army took food and burned property, destroying everything that could be used by the Confederates during the war. President Lincoln helped by giving amnesty for Confederate soldiers and a plan for readmission to the Union of the Southern states. He also proposed the Ten Percent Plan. The plan allowed states to be readmitted to the Union if ten percent of its voters swore a loyalty oath to the Union and agreed to the end of slavery. President Johnson took office once Lincoln got assassinated, this changed the course of Reconstruction because he was a southerner and a democrat. He had more sympathy for southerners and many former Confederates assumed political office as soon as their state was readmitted to the Union.

Revised Thesis: The women’s suffrage movement opened many doors for the women of America and allowed them to achieve many objects they had never before thought of including: economic roles, political positions, and a place in social society.

The Union won!This is great for the north, however what is next for the Confederate army. With slaves becoming freedmen and the south destroyed after total war, a lot was to be done after the civil war. A solution to this was Reconstruction. Reconstruction was a period in american history from 1865 to 1877 lasting twelve years (Foner). Reconstruction after the war caused many social, political, and economic changes to the newly formed union.

The battle for suffrage was a long and slow process. Many women tried to initiate the fight for suffrage, like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. “These were the New Suffragists: women who were better educated, more career-oriented, younger, less apt to be married and more cosmopolitan than their previous generation.” (pg 17) Eventually, in 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified; allowing women to vote, but it was not any one person or event that achieved this great feat. It was the confluence of certain necessary factors, the picketing and parades led by Alice Paul, militaristic suffrage parties and the influence of the media that caused the suffrage amendment to be passed and ratified in 1920. But most importantly, they successfully moved both

America went through numerous changes through the Reconstruction Era.The north and south were now a united nation again after the south had seceded. During the time of reconstruction, many constitutional and social developments brought change to the country. Some of the Constitutional developments was the Emancipation Proclamation, Civil Rights bills, and some social developments that could lead to a revolution was the Freedmen’s Bureau, KKK, and others. Since the status of blacks in America was greatly altered and the power of government was increased greatly, in the time period of 1860-1877 mostly amounted in a revolution, but only to an extent.

The Women’s Suffrage Movement of the 1920’s worked to grant women the right to vote nationally, thereby allowing women more political equality. Due to many industrial and social changes during the early 19th century, many women were involved in social advocacy efforts, which eventually led them to advocate for their own right to vote and take part in government agencies. Women have been an integral part of society, working to help those in need, which then fueled a desire to advocate for their own social and political equality. While many women worked tirelessly for the vote, many obstacles, factions, and ultimately time would pass in order for women to see the vote on the national level. The 19th Amendment, providing women the right to vote, enable women further their pursuit for full inclusion in the working of American society.

After the Civil War, the nation witnessed two major social-economic movements: Reconstruction and Industrialization, which changed the country completely and made it one of the greatest industrialized countries in the world. However, it changed not only the country, but also, the society, its way of life and traditions.

In Appomattox Court House, 1865, the Civil War concluded, ushering in the Reconstruction Era. Approximately one week after, John Wilkes Booth, a radical southerner, assassinated President Lincoln. The Reconstruction Era, which ended when Rutherford B Hayes ceased its enforcement to keep the peace, was a time for the country to consolidate and forgive the wrongs of the past. This Reconstruction period included many lasting effects on the governing of America. However, it shattered the welfare of southerners, Freedmen, and the general public. Additionally, discrimination ran rampant in the newly reunited country. Reconstruction was successful in the government, but not fiscally nor with public unity.

This research paper is intended to explain in general terms some of the political, economics and social effects America dealt with during the Pre and Post Reconstruction Period.

After the Civil War, the United States went through a period of rapid industrialization which affected the nation dramatically. Industrial growth, the spread of railroads, the rise of big businesses, and the appearance of labor unions during these decades created a modern industrial economy, and American workers and farmers faced new challenges in adapting to these changes.

It was the Compromise of 1877 that brought reconstruction in the south to an end. The compromise called for the withdraw of federal troops in the southern states, promised that a southern would be appointed as Postmaster General, offered the south federal subsidies, and in return, Rutherford Hayes would become president, and reconstruction would officially be over (Peskin). The closing of one chapter lead to a new one: the birth of modern America., the Gilded Age. Major changes were taking place in the country, almost all being a result of the rapid industrialization that was taking place. Cities thrived with people, most seeking out work. Inventions flourished, light flooded the streets with the widespread availability of electricity and the lightbulb. Time were definitely changing, especially within the social classes of America. The changes effected the classes in many different ways: the wealthy suddenly became wealthier, and the middle class moved up in the ranks, as well. The same could not be said for the lower classes, though, particularly the working-class. For them, times were tough, poverty was widespread and conditions were unsafe in almost any environment they inhabited. Despite the industrial revolution being a positive for many of the social classes in America, it was very detrimental to the working-class in that it lead to urbanization and overcrowding of cities, many people taking jobs in dangerous factories, and a seemingly disorganized family life.

By the 1920’s a great milestone is made. “the 19th Amendment to the Constitution is ratified, giving women the right to vote.” (Women of the century 2017). Therefore, a lot of great opportunities became available for young women all over the United States. Women started going to college and trying to better themselves little by little. Women still didn’t fully have equal rights at this point but with the 19th amendment being ratified women could demand even more of their rights become equal. They could do this because women were becoming more

The National Women’s Party advocated for their rights to no avail, allowing for the Nineteenth Amendment to be passed to secure the right of women to vote. With this newly established right, women were able not only to have influence in the political field of their country, but also in the economy, the household, and academia. With the newly influenced party of women, they took part in establishing political women’s organizations, women’s publications, and women’s education. Although there was much opposition to women’s advances in the public sphere that still remains today, women still managed to create a more independent, intelligent, involved image for themselves. They were able to pass bills, create new innovations, and move up in the world

In the early 1800’s women were considered second class citizens. They were expected to care for the home and family. Women were not encouraged to obtain a formal education nor pursue a career. They could not own property after they were married and were prohibited from voting. Women realized that they were just as capable as males and were not content with their lesser status in society. This female empowerment became known as “women’s suffrage.” It is considered one of the most important American political movements in the 20th century. Suffrage was the movement to gain the rights of equal work, votes and

Economic Develop is a term that is commonly used to describe the process whereby simple low-income national economies are transformed into modern industrial economies. (Krueger). It includes the policies and practices a country uses, (i.e. environmental issues, educational standards, gross domestic product, (per capita), healthcare levels, infrastructure and the availability of housing), to progress the economic, political, and societal good of its people and generally surmises and describes changes within a country’s economy; in terms of assets, incomes, savings and socioeconomic structure.