In general, Reconstruction aimed to restore the Union, enact progressive legislation, transform Southern society, and provide civil rights to former slaves. However, regardless of positive intentions and all efforts, U.S. Reconstruction was undermined in Confederate states and may be regarded as a failure. First of all, Southern states did not want to abolish slavery – thus, despite official legislation, black Americans found themselves in conditions similar to slavery. They faced segregation laws, huge discrimination, unequal payments, inappropriate working conditions, and violence. At the same time, states were unable to reduce these policies of Southern society. The majority of slave owners refused to accept a new system of labor and employment.
Another major factor is the position of Andrew Johnson who became president after Lincoln’s assassination. Believing in “Restoration” instead of Reconstruction, he believed that every state should decide what regulations to implement. Moreover, Johnson allowed a lot of former confederate officials to come back to power. However, in Southern states, slave owners and officials returned to power immediately. They passed voter qualifications, black codes, and other humiliating regulations that undermined Reconstruction. Finally, Reconstruction failed due to the country’s general economic and political situation. The poor economy of Southern states after the Civil War could not change the position of former slaves and provide positive changes. At the same time, money for Reconstruction was generally misused or stolen. In turn, the absence of union and conflict between branches in government due to disputes dedicated to freemen’s status and the abolishment of slavery led to the absence of control for the implementation of Reconstruction laws.