Outcomes of American Reconstruction - Essay Example

This agency ensured the timely provision of clothing, education, and medical needs to poor citizens. Schools including colleges for blacks and hospitals were built during the reconstruction era.  Consequently, economic progress attained caused an improvement in the living standards of citizens.

Besides economic outcomes, social reforms also formed part of the reconstruction era. Civil rights bill that advocated equal privileges among American citizens passed by the radical republicans, for example, ended black codes that encouraged forced slavery (Bodenhamer & Ely, 2008). The civil rights bill initiated freedom among citizens leading to the creation of social facilities in black communities such as schools, and churches. It further encouraged self-leadership.

Political reforms during the reconstruction era changed the governance system of the country. Reconstruction amendments such as the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments outlawed slavery, created a framework for bringing southerners to the federal government, and strengthened blacks' civil rights. On July 9, 1865, for instance, the ratification of the fourteenth amendment ensured that the civil rights act created by radical republicans to fight for the equity of citizens remains valid (Nelson, 2009).