Using what you learned in this unit, what was the biggest challenge the nation faced in reconstruction, and why was it the biggest challenge? (4-6 sentences)

The biggest challenge the nation faced in Reconstruction was the deep-rooted racism and prejudice that continued to permeate society, particularly in the South. This made it difficult to implement meaningful changes and ensure true equality for African Americans as they sought to build a new life after slavery. The resistance of white supremacists and the rise of organizations like the Ku Klux Klan posed significant obstacles to progress and threatened the safety and well-being of newly emancipated individuals. Overcoming this pervasive culture of racism and hatred required a substantial shift in attitudes and a long-term commitment to dismantling the systems that upheld such discrimination.