Reconstruction: Old Nation or New?

The Reconstruction era was a tumultuous period in US history following the Civil War. President Andrew Johnson's lenient approach to reintegrating the South faced opposition from radical Republicans who sought significant changes. This led to the passage of the 14th and 15th Amendments and the Civil Rights Act, granting equal protection and voting rights to Black Americans. However, resistance from former Confederates and some northerners hindered progress. Despite laying the groundwork for social and legal change, the struggle for equality continued for decades.

In what ways did former Confederates respond to the changes brought about by Reconstruction?

Why is the Reconstruction era considered one of the most divisive periods in American history?