Answer:
The factors that initially allowed for progress in developing rights for Black Americans during Reconstruction include: Get homework help from fmnn86[at]gm ail. c om. Guaranteed help to score maximum points any time.
The 13th Amendment: The ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865 abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, laying the foundation for the emancipation of millions of enslaved Black Americans.
The Freedmen's Bureau: Established in 1865, the Freedmen's Bureau aimed to assist newly freed slaves in various ways, including providing education, employment opportunities, and legal assistance. The bureau helped Black Americans gain freedom and some basic rights.
The Reconstruction Acts: These acts, passed by Congress between 1867 and 1868, divided the South into military districts and enforced measures to protect the rights of freed slaves. They mandated the creation of new state governments and required the inclusion of Black male suffrage as a condition for readmission to the Union.
Black political participation: During Reconstruction, Black Americans actively engaged in the political process. They voted, held public office, and participated in state constitutional conventions. The presence of Black politicians, such as Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce, in the U.S. Senate further demonstrated progress.
However, despite these initial advancements, the progress was eventually halted due to the following reasons:
Violent Resistance: The South was deeply divided over racial equality, and many white Southerners strongly opposed the political and social advancements made by Black Americans. Violent groups like the Ku Klux Klan emerged, targeting Black individuals, political leaders, and their supporters. This atmosphere of intimidation and violence undermined the progress and hindered the protection of rights.
Legal Challenges: The Supreme Court's rulings, such as the Slaughter-House Cases (1873) and United States v. Cruikshank (1876), weakened the federal government's ability to enforce civil rights protections for Black Americans. These decisions limited the scope of the 14th and 15th Amendments, allowing states to enact discriminatory laws without significant federal intervention.
Compromise and Political Shifts: In the late 1870s, a political compromise known as the Compromise of 1877 was reached between Republicans and Democrats. As part of the agreement, federal troops were withdrawn from the South, ending Reconstruction. This compromise marked the beginning of the "Redeemers" era. During this time, Southern Democrats regained political control and implemented restrictive measures like Jim Crow laws to marginalize Black Americans.
Economic Factors: Economic challenges, including sharecropping and agricultural dependence, limited the economic opportunities available to Black Americans. This economic disadvantage further hindered their ability to assert their rights and participate fully in society.
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