Introduction
The Civil Rights Movement and the Reconstruction Era are two crucial eras in American history that highlight the country’s ongoing struggles with racism and racial issues. These periods, which close and begin a century of conflict, illustrate America’s arduous march toward freedom and equality.
In order to prepare for the “Second Reconstruction,” the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, this essay will critically evaluate how well the first Reconstruction addressed racial inequality. This essay’s thesis asserts that while the Reconstruction Era did much to provide the framework for addressing racial concerns, the Civil Rights Movement ultimately moved America closer to realizing racial justice. This thesis is supported by the valiant efforts of activists who, for two decades, employed various strategies to advance greater moral, political, and social rights, bringing about a seismic shift in American society.
The First Reconstruction after the Civil War
The first Reconstruction was launched after the Civil War to tackle issues related to race and racism in the United States (Ross 2). At this time, civil rights laws were passed, discrimination based on race was prohibited, and other measures were implemented to protect human rights (King 4). Many programs have been proposed to address this problem, including a land reform program, a civil rights program, and a program to prevent discrimination in education. Such measures allowed African Americans to access more economic and educational opportunities. However, although Reconstruction was launched to address the problems of race and racism, its effectiveness was limited.
Although Reconstruction was the first proposal to address race and racism in the United States, its effectiveness was limited (Gerstle 241). First, the US government could not enforce civil rights laws in the states, resulting in constant violations and discrimination. Second, Reconstruction created two distinct societies: African Americans and white Americans (Week 3-b_Reconstruction). White Americans were more successful than African Americans because they had more access to education, economic opportunity, and other benefits. Thus, Reconstruction failed to achieve full economic and social equality between whites and African Americans.
The Role of the Civil Rights Movement
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s is often called the “Second Reconstruction.” This movement was not just a struggle for the rights of African Americans but also a struggle for justice for all US citizens (Week-4-c-the 1960s and 1970s). It was dramatic and influential that many scholars have argued that the Reconstruction and civil rights struggles did not end after the Civil War but continue to this day (Week 3-b_Reconstruction). What role did the Civil Rights Movement play in achieving what the Reconstruction era could not?
The civil rights movement played a crucial role in achieving what the Reconstruction era could not. The campaign was a united effort by African Americans and other minorities to overcome discrimination and gain equal civil rights (Week-4-b-The Civil Rights Movements). They held rallies, protests, and demonstrations against the government to achieve their goals and raise public debate about racism and bigotry in the US. Indeed, their collective courage marked a turning point in America’s race relations.
The civil rights movement led to the passage of several important laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Pressure Act of 1965. These laws gave minorities rights they did not previously have (King 3). They received the right to vote, the right to be elected to public office, and the right to access education and other public services. These laws also prohibited racism in public services and public establishments. In addition, the movement led to the expansion of the influence of the US government at all levels. Government short- and long-term programs have been designed to overcome discrimination and promote equal rights for all citizens. All US residents now live in a more welcoming and egalitarian environment thanks to these actions.
Gerstle’s Ideas of Civic Nationalism and Racial Nationalism
One of the most important contributions to the development of civil law in the 20th century is Gerstl’s thoughts on civic nationalism and racial nationalism (243). Gerstl combined the two strands of thought into one theory intended to guide the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s (248). Based on his ideas, the civil rights movement aimed to overcome obstacles that prevented people of different races, religions, and ethnic groups from receiving equal rights and rights.
Gerstl’s ideas were based on two key concepts: civic nationalism and racial nationalism (250). Civic nationalism requires citizens to be committed to society, regardless of race, creed, or gender. He strives for a scientific and objective view of the relationship between people and encourages them to take responsibility for their actions. Throughout the civil rights movement, civic nationalism has played a vital role in upholding the rights of citizens and overcoming racial discrimination.
Racial nationalism, according to Gerstl, should be a guide for citizens when making decisions (253). He sets goals and encourages people to build social relations following equality and justice. Racial nationalism was designed to defend the rights of people of different races and help them overcome the barriers that prevented them from receiving equal rights and privileges. Racial nationalism is a heterogeneous yet inclusive social fabric as a result.
Conclusion
The first Reconstruction was an essential step towards solving the problems of race and racism in the United States. It led to the passage of civil rights laws and the expansion of economic and educational opportunities for African Americans. However, its effectiveness could have been improved because the US government was unable to implement civil rights legislation at the state level and because it created two different societies, resulting in disparities between whites and African Americans. Although Reconstruction and civil rights struggles continue today, we still have not achieved full equality in society between White and African American individuals.
Gerstl’s perspectives on civic nationalism and racial nationalism were crucial in the civil rights movement in the 20th century (252). They served as the basis for the development of the civil rights movement and led to the adoption of laws and regulations that became the basis for ensuring the civil rights of all citizens. In this way, Gerstl’s ideas about civic nationalism and racial nationalism helped expand the boundaries of access to civil rights (248). They led to the realization of the civil rights movement’s goal in the twentieth century.
The civil rights movement has led to significant advances concerning social justice. During this movement, school integration laws were passed, protecting the civil rights of women and Indians and laws against discrimination based on sex and citizenship. The civil rights movement significantly raised public awareness of violence, prejudice, and discrimination and supported change in government and public life. America’s mindset toward equality and human decency was subsequently changed.
Although the civil rights movement ended in the late 1960s, its impact on modern society is considerable. Today, there are still problems that the civil rights movement tried to solve, but thanks to activists who fought for their rights, the situation has improved and reached a new level. The civil rights movement was a historic event that helped redefine the rights and responsibilities of American citizens like never before.
Works Cited
Gerstle, Gary. American Crucible: Race and Nation in the Twentieth Century. Princeton UP, 2017.
King, Martin Luther. “Letter from Birmingham Jail, 16 April, 1963.” ML King, Why we can’t wait, 1963, p. 85-110.
Ross, John. “Our Hearts Are Sickened”: Letter From Chief John Ross of the Cherokee, Georgia, 1836, The Papers of Chief John Ross, vol 1, 1807–1839, ed. University of Oklahoma Press, 1985, p. 458–461.
Week 3-b_Reconstruction [Lecture notes].
Week-4-b-The Civil Rights Movements [Lecture notes].
Week-4-c-the 1960s and 1970s [Lecture notes].