Final answer:
At the start of the Reconstruction era, the South faced the substantial problem of recovering from the devastation of the Civil War, with political, economic, and social chaos. Resistance to Reconstruction efforts, especially concerning citizenship and equality for African Americans, led to increased racial and social disparities. The physical and emotional trauma experienced by the entire Southern population was a further complication during this period.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the major problems at the start of the Reconstruction era was the devastating state of the South after the Civil War, resulting in political dependence and economic destitution. This period marked attempts by the Federal Government to implement radical social changes, including establishing citizenship and equality for African Americans. However, the South faced resistance to change as many white Southerners were indignant about African Americans serving in positions of authority and contested Union efforts, thus leading to widespread discussions about citizenship. Reconstruction policies sometimes caused violence and exacerbated racial and social disparities in the United States.
The physical destruction wrought by the war and subsequent deprivation impacted everyone in the region. The South was left in a condition where all social strata experienced hardship and had to adapt to a radically changed society. Additionally, while some sought to help foster positive societal changes, discrimination persisted, and poverty and racism continued to trouble the South long after the end of Reconstruction.
Overall, Reconstruction was a turbulent time with revolutionary potential but also significant backlash, which influenced its legacy and the enduring challenges of race relations and citizenship in America.