Civil War Era vs. Reconstruction Era

Attribute	Civil War Era	Reconstruction Era
Time Period	1861-1865	1865-1877
Cause	Secession of Southern states	Rebuilding the South after the war
Main Events	Battles of Gettysburg, Antietam	Passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
Leaders	Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis	Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant
Impact on Society	End of slavery, increased federal power	Reconstruction policies, rise of Jim Crow laws

Civil War Era

The Civil War Era in American history, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, was a time of great turmoil and division. The primary attribute of this era was the conflict between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and the preservation of the Union. The war itself was characterized by intense fighting, high casualties, and significant political and social upheaval.

One of the key features of the Civil War Era was the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln, who played a crucial role in guiding the country through this tumultuous period. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This marked a significant turning point in the war and in the fight against slavery.

Another important aspect of the Civil War Era was the development of new military technologies and tactics. The use of rifled muskets, ironclad warships, and trench warfare all played a role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. The war also saw the first widespread use of railroads and telegraphs for military communication and transportation.

The aftermath of the Civil War brought about significant changes in American society and politics. The abolition of slavery, the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, and the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau were all key developments that laid the groundwork for the Reconstruction Era that followed.

Overall, the Civil War Era was a time of intense conflict, change, and transformation in American history. It set the stage for the challenges and opportunities that would arise during the subsequent period of Reconstruction.

Reconstruction Era

The Reconstruction Era in American history, which followed the Civil War and lasted from 1865 to 1877, was a time of great promise and disappointment. The primary attribute of this era was the effort to rebuild the South and integrate newly freed African Americans into society, while also dealing with the lingering effects of the war and the deep divisions that still existed between North and South.

One of the key features of the Reconstruction Era was the passage of the Reconstruction Amendments to the Constitution. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and the 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote.

Another important aspect of the Reconstruction Era was the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau, which provided assistance to newly freed slaves in the form of education, employment, and social services. The bureau played a crucial role in helping African Americans transition from slavery to freedom and in promoting their full participation in American society.

The Reconstruction Era also saw the rise of new political movements and parties, such as the Radical Republicans, who advocated for more aggressive measures to ensure the rights and protections of African Americans in the South. These efforts were met with resistance from white Southerners who sought to maintain their dominance and control over the region.

Overall, the Reconstruction Era was a time of progress and setbacks, of hope and disillusionment. While significant strides were made in advancing the rights and opportunities of African Americans, the era ultimately fell short of its goals, as white supremacy and segregation persisted in the South for many years to come.