5-1 Demonstrate an understanding of Reconstruction and its impact on the United States 5-1.3 What is the purpose and motivations of subversive groups during Reconstruction and their rise to power after the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.

During Reconstruction During Reconstruction, several discriminatory groups developed in order to intimidate the freedmen. Most famous: Ku Klux Klan

KKK Started as a social organization of ex-Confederate soldiers. Grew into terrorist group (Terrorism describes violence of other harmful acts committed or threatened against citizens by groups of persons for political or ideological goals.) Goal of KKK: use violence, intimidation and voter fraud to keep African Americans from exercising their rights under the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments so whites could regain control of state governments.

KKK

KKK Public lynchings became common methods of intimidating African Americans who did not “know their place.”

KKK Federal government made feeble (weak) attempts to control the KKK and other groups who practiced racial discrimination and intimidation.

American Experience: "Reconstruction" Watch the 1st 20 minutes of part 2

Election of 1876 The election of 1876 was so riddled with fraud that the electoral votes in three states were called into question. Election was decided by the House of Representatives. Democrats agreed to support the election of the Republican candidate in exchange for the removal of all federal troops from the South.

Election of 1876

Compromise of 1877 The Compromise of 1877 resulted in the end of Reconstruction and African Americans were abandoned by the federal government. Democrats won control of the southern state governments.

Compromise of 1877

Effects of Compromise of 1877 The constitutional rights gained by the “Civil War” amendments (13-15) were regularly violated by terrorist groups like the KKK. Members of the terrorist groups included working class whites as well as businessmen, lawyers, judges, and politicians.

Effects of Compromise of 1877 Although African Americans protested their rapidly deepening exclusion from public life; violence, intimidation and lynchings by terrorist groups effectively silenced most protests. Soon southern governments were passing laws to limit the rights of African Americans guaranteed by the 15th amendment.

American Experience: "Reconstruction" Watch the 2nd 20 minutes of part 2