The period from 1865 to 1877 in American history is known as what?

The period from 1865 to 1877 in American history is known as Reconstruction. This era followed the Civil War and was focused on the efforts to rebuild the United States, particularly the Southern states, and integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society as equal citizens. Reconstruction involved significant political changes, the establishment of new laws and amendments aimed at ensuring civil rights, and the rebuilding of the Southern economy and infrastructure.

Central to Reconstruction were key legislative acts and constitutional amendments, such as the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery; the 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law; and the 15th Amendment, which aimed to protect voting rights for African American men. The period was marked by the political struggles between different factions, including Radical Republicans who sought to enforce equal rights and Southern Democrats who resisted these changes.

Understanding this era is crucial for grasping the complex dynamics of race, power, and policy in the post-Civil War United States, and it laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements. The emphasis on rebuilding and reforming the Southern states is why this period is aptly named Reconstruction.