Unfortunately, many of the changes did not last. There was a strong white Southern backlash to the changes made during Reconstruction. Through violence, intimidation, and misapplication of law, certain Southerners gradually regained control of the former Confederacy and made freed slaves second class citizens.

Click on the images below to learn the impact of Southern backlash.

Re-ranking Activity

Using the information above, re-evaluate the social progress that African Americans made as a result of Reconstruction. Rank the same five areas from the most lasting improvement to the least lasting improvement by the end of Reconstruction. For example, if almost all of the gains made in an area were gone by 1877 or shortly thereafter, put that last. If the gains endured (even if they were smaller to begin with) put it first.

When you are finished, explain in your notes the reason for your rankings.