What happened that started the creation of the Reconstruction era?
I believe it was the Civil War, but I do not know if there was anymore situations that started it. And if not how did the Civil War start the War?
Please help!
Correction: How did the Civil War start the Reconstruction era?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_Era
The Reconstruction era was indeed initiated by the Civil War. The primary reason for the creation of the Reconstruction era was the desire to address the aftermath of the war and its consequences. To understand how the Civil War led to the Reconstruction era, it is essential to know the causes and events that triggered the war.
The Civil War began in 1861 and was primarily fought between the northern states (the Union) and the southern states (the Confederacy). Several factors contributed to the outbreak of the war, including:
1. Slavery: One of the most significant issues was the dispute over slavery. The southern states relied heavily on slavery as an integral part of their economy and believed in the right to maintain this practice. Conversely, the northern states were increasingly opposed to slavery and sought its abolition.
2. Sectionalism: Over time, significant social, economic, and political differences developed between the northern and southern states. This sectionalism led to growing tensions and disagreements over various issues, including trade, taxation, and states' rights versus the power of the federal government.
3. Secession: In 1860, Abraham Lincoln, an opponent of slavery, was elected as the President of the United States. Many southern states saw this as a threat to their traditional way of life and feared that Lincoln's administration would limit their rights to own slaves. Consequently, several southern states decided to secede from the Union and form their own government, thus leading to the creation of the Confederacy.
4. Fort Sumter: The first military engagement of the Civil War occurred at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, in April 1861. The Confederate forces attacked the fort, which was held by Union troops, leading to the onset of armed conflict.
Once the Civil War ended in 1865 with the Union's victory, the Reconstruction era began. This was a period of significant political, social, and economic change in the United States, particularly in the South. The primary goals of Reconstruction were to bring the Confederate states back into the Union, rebuild the South's economy, and ensure the civil and political rights of newly freed slaves.
In conclusion, the Civil War precipitated the Reconstruction era by creating the need to address the consequences of the war and enact fundamental changes to unify the nation and grant equal rights to all citizens.