Congress

Reconstruction was a failure due to the opinion on race. Two goals were to rebuild the south and to reform society. Reconstruction began in 1865 and ended in 1877. “Black codes” did nothing but for the south but put them in further segregation. The black codes aloud a form of disguised slavery. In the long run, “black codes” just made it easier for the people of the south to continue with their poor treatment towards blacks.

A positive step did come for reconstruction in 1868. That was the 14th amendment, that stated that no state could make or enforce any law that restrains the privileges of the citizens of the United States. This amendment gave the President power over the states, making them all obey. Right after following this positive step during reconstruction, came another racial act that prohibited the marriages between whites and people of other races.

Also, the idea of giving slaves equal rights as White people played a big factor. They could be free but couldn’t