What positive changes occurred for blacks during the reconstruction years? in what ways were the positive changes accomplished by reconstruction diminished over time?

The Reconstruction Era was a time of radical change for the United States. In terms of Black people, their lives were significantly altered. The most obvious change that preceded this era was the abolition of slavery. However, this was not the only difference. The implementation of the Freedmen's Bureau provided help for African Americans transitioning from slavery to freedom. Moreover, the Fourteenth Amendment and the Civil Rights Act gave them protection under the law.

In terms of the actions that diminished the gains of black people, we find the Black Codes. These were laws that required African Americans to sign yearly labour contracts in an attempt to limit their economic opportunities. Moreover, the rise of white supremacy groups such as the Ku Klux Klan made the implementation of positive laws difficult.

- encouraging nationalism

- returning to conservative political policies