Category Archives: Civil War and Reconstruction Era (1861-1877)

The Civil War pitted secessionist Southern pro-slavery states against the pro-Union, anti-slavery states of the North. The war concluded with the emancipation of enslaved people, and the passage of constitutional amendments and laws meant to protect the rights of newly freed citizens. African Americans won political office during Reconstruction; however, the era was also marked by frequent intimidation, terrorism and disenfranchisement of African Americans who sought autonomy and equality.