The USA faced several problems as it emerged from the Civil War. During Reconstruction, the Federal government asserted its authority, and largely reshaped the South. This major reform effort ended rather abruptly, and in many ways the Old South was redeemed after the election of Rutherford B Hayes in 1876.
This video also discusses the role of the Civil War and Reconstruction in the consolidation of political power into a strong central government. Some consider this the final phase of the American Revolution, as calls for secession are silenced from here on out. We will also examine a dilemma in studying American History: The general support for American Independence (itself an act of secession) yet our disdain for Southern Secession. How can breaking government bonds be justified in one but not the other? Simply put, American Independence and Federal suppression of Southern secession both fought to preserve free institutions.
