Reconstruction in Tennessee after the Civil War - Essay Example

Reconstruction in Tennessee after the Civil WarReconstruction in Tennessee after the Civil War was aimed at creating a social and political revolution in a state that was experiencing economic and opposition challenges. Some of the ways in which the reconstruction managed to solve the problems that resulted from the civil war include allowing African Americans to participate at all levels of government as well as establishing institutions such as schools (Bergeron and Keith161). However, the failures of Reconstruction outnumber its positive contributions to Tennessee.

For instance, the federal and state governments failed to secure the rights that were entitled to former slaves through constitutional amendments (Cimbala and Miller 8). Radical Republican government also did not allow land reform. Racism that also had been enhanced by the war continued to exist everywhere (Cimbala and Miller 22). Civil War in Tennessee also led to classification of people according to their social status. Unfortunately, the Reconstruction also did not manage to solve this social problem.

Former slaves retained their lowest position in the society even after the end of Reconstruction. Works CitedBergeron, Paul and Keith, Jeanette. Tennesseans and Their History. New York: Univ. of Tennessee Press, 1999. Print.Cimbala, Alan and Miller, Randall. The Great Task Remaining Before Us: Reconstruction as America's Continuing Civil War. New York: Fordham Univ Press, 2010. Print.