How did texas change their government and the way they earned their living after reconstruction?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Texas
What do you think?
After the Reconstruction era, Texas underwent significant changes in both its government structure and its economy. To understand these changes, let's break it down step by step:
1. Government: During Reconstruction (1865-1877), Texas was under military rule, as were other former Confederate states. The Reconstruction amendments, particularly the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, brought fundamental changes by abolishing slavery, granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to former slaves, and ensuring their right to vote. However, after the end of Reconstruction, Texas reverted to a white-dominated government structure.
2. Government Changes: After Reconstruction, Texas implemented the "Redeemer" movement, which aimed to restore power to the pre-war ruling class, mainly Democrats. Former Confederates regained control of the state government, and policies were enacted to restrict the rights and participation of African Americans in politics, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and the creation of the all-white primary system.
3. Economic Changes: As for the changes in the economy, Reconstruction brought some shifts in Texas. Before the Civil War, Texas relied heavily on an agrarian economy, with cotton being the primary crop cultivated by enslaved labor. However, during Reconstruction, there was a diversification of the economy with the growth of cattle ranching and the expansion of the railroad network.
4. Cattle Industry: The end of the Civil War coincided with the recovery of the cattle industry, leading to the rise of large-scale cattle drives from Texas to markets in the North. Texas became the largest supplier of beef in the nation, benefiting from an abundance of open range, favorable climate, and the development of transportation infrastructure.
5. Railroad Expansion: The expansion of railroads in Texas during this period facilitated the transportation of cattle and other goods to markets. The railroads allowed for faster, more efficient transportation, connecting Texas to national markets and enabling the state's agricultural and industrial sectors to grow and thrive.
In summary, following Reconstruction, Texas experienced changes in its government structure by shifting power back to the former ruling class and implementing policies that disenfranchised African Americans. The state also saw economic changes, with the diversification of the economy through the growth of the cattle industry and the expansion of the railroad network.