Final answer:
During the Reconstruction period, life for African Americans included some opportunities for education and employment, but it was primarily characterized by continued oppression and discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Reconstruction period following the Civil War, life for African Americans underwent significant changes. While there were some improvements, such as increased opportunities for education and employment (Option A), the overall experience for African Americans was characterized by continued oppression and discrimination.
African Americans faced numerous challenges, including the enactment of Black Codes, which limited their civil rights and freedoms (Option C). These codes aimed to maintain the social and economic control of whites over African Americans and perpetuated segregation and inequality.
An example of the restrictions faced by African Americans is the implementation of poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures that effectively denied them the right to vote.
Thus, the correct option to the question is Option C: They encountered more restrictions on their civil rights and freedoms.