APUSH 101 04.04 Political Reconstruction

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04.04 Political Reconstruction Some historians have called the Civil War and Reconstruction period a “Second American Revolution.” Support, modify, or refute this interpretation, providing spec... ific evidence to justify your answer. It is reasonable for historians to call the Civil War and Reconstruction period a “Second American Revolution” because there are significant similarities. These similarities include gained freedom, new laws and powers, and the way the nation was perceived. In the first American Revolution, the colonist wanted freedom and independence from the British and decided to fight for it. The colonist gained political freedom when America won the Revolutionary War in 1783. African Americans felt the same way the colonist did back in 1765. The Civil War was fought to give Blacks their freedom from slavery. After the North won slavery was put to an end, and all African Americans were free. Therefore the two events relate in this sense as both had fought their freedom and won independence. After the American Revolution, a constitution was established called the Articles of Confederation in 1781 along with new laws. This relates to the Reconstruction because in response to the civil war the Constitution was changed to free all slaves and 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were made. These amendments gave slaves freedom, rights and allowed African males to vote. This is revolutionary considering how long Blacks have been forced into slavery. Before the Revolutionary War, the nation was ruled by Great Britain. This led to tyranny and a lack of cooperation amongst everyone. However afterwards the ideology changed when America won independence and a sense of unity was gained. It is a similar situation with the Civil War and Reconstruction because before the African American lives were perceived as worthless, slaves and did not deserve any rights. While after the war they gained more freedom, rights, and thought of as citizens. In the end, both time periods changed the ideology of their nation. After the Civil War and Reconstruction, all slaves were emancipated and free. African Americans could acquire land, vote, and find employment. They were entitled to an education which resulted in the rate of illiteracy to fall. Black Codes gave African Americans rights such as the right to sue in court, however, the Codes made testifying against any white people, or serving on juries and militias illegal. When considering the freedom gained, new laws and power, and view on the nation between the two events, it is sensible to refer to the Civil War and Reconstruction period as “Second American Revolution.” [Show More]

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