What were the main goals of Reconstruction?

The main goals of Reconstruction were to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union and to ensure civil rights for freed slaves.

Reconstruction, a period in American history following the Civil War, was primarily aimed at reintegrating the Southern states that had seceded from the Union. The Union victory in the Civil War had left the South in ruins, both physically and economically. The federal government, therefore, sought to rebuild the South and restore its place in the Union. This involved the reestablishment of state governments that were loyal to the Union, the rebuilding of the South's infrastructure, and the revitalisation of its economy.

Another significant goal of Reconstruction was to ensure civil rights for the newly freed slaves. The abolition of slavery had left millions of African Americans in a state of uncertainty. The federal government, therefore, sought to establish laws and policies that would protect the rights of these individuals and ensure their integration into society. This included the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which respectively abolished slavery, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalised in the United States, and guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race, colour, or previous condition of servitude.

However, the implementation of these goals was fraught with challenges. The Southern states resisted the efforts of the federal government to impose changes, leading to a period of conflict and tension. Moreover, the efforts to ensure civil rights for African Americans were met with widespread racism and discrimination, both from the Southern states and from elements within the Northern states. Despite these challenges, the goals of Reconstruction represented a significant step towards the establishment of a more equitable and inclusive society in the United States.