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Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves and allowed them to enlist in the war. This is the first we see of freedom for slaves, which is essential for Reconstruction. -
Freedmen's Bureau Established
The Freedmen's Bureau assisted former slaves by distributing clothing and food. However, it did not last long, as it was abolished in 1872. This did help in attempting to help the African Americans who were enslaved and it seems it tried to get them integrated into common society. -
Surrender of Lee
The surrender of Robert E. Lee, Confederate general, marks when Reconstruction can truly begin. The surrender allowed for an end to war and terror and the reintegration of Southerners. -
Assassination of Lincoln
Lincoln had better plans for Reconstruction than following President Andrew Johnson. Reconstruction, as we can predict, would have been much smoother and faster of Lincoln had not been assassinated. -
Thirteenth Amendment Ratified
The thirteenth amendment abolished slavery for good and allowed for freedom of enslaved African Americans. Still, although, they were freed, they would not have the rights of the common white man for a much longer time. -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
Following the discriminatory Black Codes, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 was introduced. Johnson vetoed the Civil Rights Act, shocking everyone. It would seem as though this highly effected Reconstruction and the integration of African Americans into society. -
Formation of the Ku Klux Klan
The Ku Klux Klan, founded in Tennessee, was formed to intimidate African Americans. The members believed in white power. This worsened conditions for African Americans. -
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Impeachment Process of Andrew Johnson
Congress wanted to impeach Andrew Johnson after his vetoes against Civil Rights and his firing of a cabinet member. The Senate failed to impeach Johnson. This would have halted Reconstruction, as Congress was more focused on the impeachment process. -
Fourteenth Amendment Ratified
The Fourteenth Amendment guaranteed "due process and equal protection under the law to African Americans." Because of the formation of the Ku Klux Klan, the formation and radification of the Fourteenth Amendment was a big step in Reconstruction and helping the lives of African Americans. -
Ulysses S. Grant Elected President
Former Union General Ulysses S. Grant was elected President. -
First Black Senator Elected
Hiram Revels is the first black senator to be elected to the U.S. Senate. This was a big step forward for representation of African Americans. -
Fifteenth Amendment Ratified
The Fifteenth Amendment allowed all male citizens, regardless of race or previous condition of servitude, to vote. Although women were not able to vote at all, there was a good step forward for men who weren't white. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
The Civil Rights Act of 1875 guaranteed equal rights to African Americans in public accommodations and jury duty. However, this was considered unconstitutional in 1883. -
Reconstruction Ends
President Rutherford B. Hayes withdrew federal troops from the South that were protecting the civil rights of African Americans. This ends Reconstruction. -
Rutherford B. Hayes is Inaugurated as President
Rutherford B. Hayes is inaugurated as President soon before Reconstruction ends.
