None of the Many Shortcomings of Reconstruction Disappointed Former Slaves

question 34

Essay

None of the many shortcomings of Reconstruction disappointed former slaves more than the failure of the U.S. government to provide them with land of their own. Discuss events and legislation that occurred during the latter part of the Civil War and immediately following the Union victory (1864-65) and explain how they indicated to freedmen that the federal government intended to make some form of land ownership available to former slaves. Contrast those early promises with the realities of the later Reconstruction era, which in effect placed land ownership beyond the reach of all but a small fraction of blacks.

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Definitions:

Headquarters

The central office or main building of an organization where key managerial and executive functions are carried out.

Social Unionism

An approach to unionism that focuses on broader social issues beyond the workplace, including social justice, political action, and community involvement.

Businesslike Manner

Conducting oneself or operations in a professional, efficient, and formal way, often in a workplace or business setting.

Average Hourly Wage

The mean wage that workers earn in a given economy, sector, or company, calculated per hour of work.