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Reconstruction Dbq Essay

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In a society governed by sometimes strict and sometimes barely acknowledged laws, we tend to turn a blind eye towards incidents where the law is supposed to swoop in and save the day. Take, for example, the Reconstruction era after the civil war from 1865-1877, when America tried to rebuild its country and bridge the gap between the north and south after the divisive war. White supremacy leagues were created and allowed to exist by the government during that time because the law did not do its job by protecting all its citizens. It didn’t enforce the acceptance of the free African-Americans and didn’t encourage much, or any social change. I believe that laws are not the most important factor in overcoming discrimination and creating social …show more content…

In a letter written to President Grant in 1876, the President responds to the South Carolina governor’s plea for help and militia expertise in protecting the African-American citizens who were getting lynched and harassed by white supremacy groups like the white league and the KKK. In the letter, President Grant writes, “Expressing the hope that the better judgment and cooperation of citizens of the State over which you have presided so ably may enable you to secure a fair trial and punishment of all offenders, without distinction of race or color or previous condition of servitude, and without aid from the Federal government, but with the promise of such aid on the conditions named in the foregoing, I subscribe myself, very respectfully, your obedient servant.” President Grant is refusing to help the South Carolina Governor where it concerns the protection of Black citizens and the terror the KKK and the white league has caused. He is instead supplying his best “wishes” and “prayers” that the people will somehow set aside their differences and and use their “better judgement.” In this instance the law is not only not presenting itself as a factor for overcoming discrimination and social change but it is endangering the lives of innocent Black civilians to please its southern counterparts, which is not doing its duty as the protectors of American

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