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Freedmen's Bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau was the government's first attempt to assist emancipated slaves after the Civil War. It did many things such as create schools, hospitals, and welfare systems. -
Civil War Ends
On April 4th, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, thus ending the Civil War. Lee, however, did not truly believe he lost the war. -
Lincoln Assassinated
Lincoln was assassinated while watching a play on 4/15/1865 by the hands of John. Wilkes Booth. Andrew Johnson was brought into presidency shortly after. -
13th Amendment Ratified
The 13th amendment officially ended slavery in 1865. This was done to free the slaves in border states, who were not included in the Emancipation -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
This act declared all citizens protected by the constitution, and everyone born in the US was a citizen. This was done to force the South to enforce leaving black citizens alone. -
Memphis Race Riots
A riot incited during the early states of reconstruction, white southerners burned down blacks schools, hospitals, and homes. The riots lasted three days. -
New Orleans Race Riots
Southern Republicans were angered by the black codes, and decided to call for a convention. Democrats believed the convention to be illegal, and decided to intervene. -
1st Reconstruction Act
This act was written as the first attempt to fully bring the US back together. The 1st Reconstruction Act formally brought the South back into the US. -
2nd Reconstruction Act
After the first act, the South was confused as to who was supposed to enforce it. This act answered the question, saying the responsibility fell unto the military commanders. -
3rd Reconstruction Act
This act gave supreme power to the five union generals overseeing reconstruction in the south. This excluded Tennessee, which never under military rule. -
4th Reconstruction Act
This act restricted the political influence and participation of former confederate leaders. They weren't allowed to vote, nor could they try to influence anybody's vote. -
14th Amendment Ratified
The 14th amendment was another attempt to prevent the South from abusing slaves. This amendment granted citizenship to those born or naturalized in the US. -
Grant Elected President
Ulysses S. Grant was the elected the 21st president of the United States in 1868. This was the first election held during Reconstruction. -
15th Amendment Ratified
This Amendment was the third and final amendment created to protect the rights of free black families. The 14th amendment allowed any race, color, or even former slaves the right to vote. -
1st Black Senator Elected
Hiram Rhodes Revels Wass the first elected black senator, elected in 1870. Only the state legislature of Mississippi elected black senators during Reconstruction. -
1st Black Governor Elected
P. B. S. Pinchback was the first African-American elected as governor. Pinchback was the 24th governor of Louisiana. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was the last major move during Reconstruction. This act granted African-Americans equal protection on public transportation and public accommodations. -
Compromise of 1876
This was an unwritten compromise informally arranged by congressmen to settle the rising tension from the recent election. It allowed the south to do as they please, and formally ended the Reconstruction era.
