That's an excellent question. The response of former Confederate civilians to the new freedom of the former slaves was complex and varied. Some individuals welcomed the change and worked to integrate former slaves into their communities, while others resisted the transition and attempted to maintain the status quo.
One significant factor that contributed to this dichotomy was the economic impact of emancipation. Many former slaveholders felt that they had lost valuable property when their slaves were freed, and they resented the loss of their investment. Additionally, the newly freed slaves represented a potential source of low-wage labor that could compete with white workers, creating additional economic tension.
Another factor that played a role in how former Confederate civilians responded to the new freedom of the former slaves was cultural and political ideology. Some individuals saw the shift as a necessary step towards equality and justice, while others viewed it as an affront to their traditional way of life and a violation of states' rights.
Overall, the reality was that the responses of former Confederate civilians to the new freedom of the former slaves were diverse and complex, influenced by a range of economic, cultural, and political factors.