Turning Points Through the Period of Reconstruction and Industrialization

Turning Points Through the Period of Reconstruction and Industrialization.

The two major turning points through this period of history was the abolishment of slavery and Industrial Revolution. The Civil War did not end until 1877, President Lincoln already started planning the reconstruction in 1863 to reunify the North and the South. His plan for reconstruction was to rebuild the South and free the slaves. Lincoln was convinced that the abolition of slavery was a military strategy as well as the morally right thing to do. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation of Proclamation, which applied to the rebellious states. The Emancipation Proclamation did not free any slaves it was an important turning point, because it led the way for the 13th Amendment. The 13th Amendment was adopted on December 6, 1865, which officially ended slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation Unfortunately President Lincoln was assassinated and did not live to see the completion of the reconstruction.

The Industrial Revolution was the second major turning point during the period of Reconstruction and Industrialization. The Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain and progressed to the United States. The Industrial Revolution in the United States began when Sam Slater opened the first industrial mill in 1790. The changes that caused the Industrial Revolution were the invention of machines; the use of steam, and later of other kinds of power; the adoption of the factory system; the light bulb; the telephone, the type writer; and the elevator. All of these inventions created many more jobs including jobs for women. When displaced farmers; immigrants from Europe and Asia; and African Americans from the South moved up north for job opportunities cities began to grow very fast.

The New South.

When President Lincoln was assassinated Vice President Johnson became the President. During his tenure President Johnson, proceeded with the reconstruction of the South. Slavery had been abolished, but the white southerners had created “Black Codes”. The “Black Codes” were laws to regulate the freedmen and keep them living in slavery without actually being slaves. The KKK was founded in December of 1865. The target of the Klan were black and white; Republicans; and anyone who assisted blacks in their quest for freedom. They committed random acts of violence against blacks. The Reconstruction in the South declined. Many states established laws that kept blacks from voting. Along with the disenfranchisement there was the development of the Jim Crow Laws, which prevented blacks from attending school; eating in restaurants with whites; and many other things. Blacks in the South continued to face racial inequality in the South and