What was the Reconstruction Act of 1867?

The Reconstruction Act of 1867 was a pivotal piece of legislation designed to reshape the Southern states and facilitate their reintegration into the Union following the Civil War. The act's primary goal was to enforce order and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans during the tumultuous period of Reconstruction.

By dividing the South into five military districts, the act placed these areas under military governance, which was intended to maintain peace and prevent rebellion against the federal government. In addition, it outlined a specific process that Southern states had to follow in order to be readmitted into the Union. This included drafting new state constitutions that upheld the rights of African Americans and allowing for their participation in the political process. The act also required states to ratify the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

This approach marked a significant shift in federal policy, as it not only aimed to restore order but also sought to promote civil rights and ensure that the struggles of the Civil War led to tangible changes in Southern society. The military presence was seen as essential for protecting these civil rights during a time when resistance to such changes was prevalent in the South.