The Reconstruction refers to the period after the American Civil War. It took place between 1863 and 1877. The idea was to reconstruct what had been destroyed during the civil war and to change what used to be the Confederate states. So there was both a physical and a legal reconstruction. It aimed to end southern nationalism and bring the abolition of slavery. Also, it aimed to bring reconciliation, end white supremacy, and emancipate African-Americans. President Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson were key players during the Reconstruction.