What does the term Reconstruction refer to in US History?

Reconstruction refers to the period following the Civil War, specifically from 1865 to 1877, when the United States focused on national unification and the integration of formerly enslaved people into society. This era was characterized by significant changes in legislation and social policies aimed at rebuilding the South and addressing the consequences of the Civil War. Key elements included the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and secured voting rights for African American men, respectively.

The focus during Reconstruction was to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union and to redefine the relationship between the states and the federal government. Efforts made during this time laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements and significantly impacted the political landscape of the nation. The emphasis on national unification after a divisive conflict is central to understanding the significance of the Reconstruction era in shaping modern American society.