Recon Text ch_ Changes in the South Asst
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
South University, Savannah *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1101
Subject
Political Science
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by CommodoreFox2596
Reconstruction Textbook chapter: Changes in the South
Directions:
Read the attached textbook chapter and answer the questions completely in your own
words.
1.
Summarize each of the following & how it contributed to the decline of Reconstruction:
a.
Republican Revolt
The Republican Revolt during Reconstruction refers to internal divisions within the Republican
Party, leading to a decline in commitment to civil rights and Reconstruction policies. Economic
concerns and political power struggles weakened support for racial reforms. This internal strife
allowed Southern white supremacists to regain control, leading to the rise of discriminatory laws
and the erosion of civil rights gains. The decline of Reconstruction left a legacy of racial
segregation and disenfranchisement in the American South.
b.
Amnesty Act
The Amnesty Act of 1872 granted pardon to most former Confederates, restoring their political
rights. This contributed to the decline of Reconstruction by allowing former Confederate leaders
to regain political power, leading to the erosion of efforts to protect the rights of African
Americans. The weakening of Reconstruction paved the way for the rise of Jim Crow laws and
racial segregation in the South.
2.
How was the election of 1876 decided?
The election of 1876 was decided by a special electoral commission, which awarded all
contested electoral votes to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes, making him the winner. In
exchange for Democrats accepting Hayes as president, the Compromise of 1877 led to the
withdrawal of federal troops from the South, marking the end of Reconstruction.
3.
What was the Compromise of 1877? What effect did it have on Reconstruction?
The Compromise of 1877 settled the disputed election of 1876 by making Rutherford B. Hayes
president. In exchange, federal troops were withdrawn from the South, ending Reconstruction.
This allowed Southern states to regain control, leading to the imposition of Jim Crow laws and
the erosion of civil rights for African Americans.
4.
Describe the economy of the “New South”- how much of a change was this from the
southern pre-Civil War economy?
The "New South" economy, emerging post-Civil War, aimed to diversify through
industrialization and urbanization. While it represented a shift from the pre-Civil War agrarian
economy, elements like sharecropping and reliance on agriculture persisted, limiting the extent of
change.
5.
How did each of the following deny African Americans their rights in the post
Reconstruction Era?
a.
Poll taxes?
Poll taxes, imposed in the post-Reconstruction Era, denied African Americans their voting rights
by creating a financial barrier to voting. This discriminatory practice disproportionately affected
Black voters, violating the principles of the 15th Amendment and contributing to the broader
system of disenfranchisement and racial inequality under Jim Crow laws
.
b.
Literacy tests?
Literacy tests in the post-Reconstruction era were used to disenfranchise African Americans.
They were administered with racial bias, featuring complex and unfair questions that targeted
black voters. Selective enforcement, intimidation, and grandfather clauses further contributed to
systematic denial of voting rights. These discriminatory practices persisted until the civil rights
movement and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 addressed and dismantled them.
c.
Jim Crow Laws?
Jim Crow Laws, prevalent in the post-Reconstruction Era, denied African Americans their rights
through racial segregation, voting restrictions, economic discrimination, violence, and unequal
educational opportunities. These laws entrenched systemic racism and inequality until the Civil
Rights Movement aimed to dismantle them in the 1960s.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help