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:

Alternative Dispute Resolution Act

Legislation that provides for the resolution of disputes through methods other than litigation, such as arbitration or mediation.

Federal District Court

The general trial courts of the United States federal court system where civil and criminal cases are heard and decided.

ADR

Stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution; it is a set of procedures such as mediation and arbitration for resolving disputes outside the traditional judicial system.

Binding Arbitration Clause

A contract agreement requiring the parties to resolve disputes through an arbitration process rather than through litigation in court.