Some Historians Have Argued That Reconstruction Was a Total Failure

question 7

Essay

Some historians have argued that Reconstruction was a total failure, while others have seen it as laying the foundation for future American progress in race relations and civil rights. What arguments can be made for each position? Which is more persuasive?

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Definitions:

Producer Surplus

The variance between what producers are prepared to sell a product or service for and the actual revenue they achieve.

Equilibrium Price

The price in the market where the amount of goods being offered meets the amount of goods consumers want.

Unregulated Market

A market operating without governmental rules or oversight wherein the forces of supply and demand are unimpeded by outside control.

Price Controls

Regulatory measures by which a government seeks to control the price of goods and services, either by setting maximum prices (price ceilings) or minimum prices (price floors).