The Defeat of Reconstruction
Maya Hall
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the dismantling of Reconstruction, the rise of the Jim Crow era, and its impact on African Americans. Key topics include post-1876 constitutional changes, Black voter suppression tactics (poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses), racial violence, the impact of Plessy v. Ferguson, and the reality of "separate but equal." The guide also provides practice questions and emphasizes the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments and the Compromise of 1877 for the AP exam.
#AP African American Studies: Dismantling Reconstruction & Jim Crow Era Study Guide
Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and boost your confidence. Let's do this!
#1. The End of Reconstruction & Rise of Jim Crow
Reconstruction was a period of rebuilding the South and securing rights for African Americans, but it faced systematic dismantling through legal and extralegal means. This led to the rise of Jim Crow, a system of segregation and oppression. Let's dive in!
#1.1. Post-1876 Constitutional Changes
After 1876, Southern states rewrote their constitutions to establish de jure segregation, meaning segregation by law. This was a direct attack on the progress made during Reconstruction.
- Segregation Laws:
- Mandated racial segregation in public spaces like schools, transportation, and restrooms.
- Aimed to reverse the rights and protections gained by African Americans during Reconstruction.
- Undermined the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
#1.2. Black Voter Suppression Methods
Remember the key tactics used to suppress Black voters: Poll Taxes, Literacy Tests, and Grandfather Clauses. These were designed to systematically disenfranchise African Americans.
- Poll Taxes:
- Required voters to pay a fee, disproportionately affecting poor African Americans.
- Effectively stripped many of their right to vote.
- Literacy Tests:
- Required voters to read and interpret complex passages.
- Denied suffrage to many African Americans due to the legacy of slavery and lack of educational opportunities.
- Grandfather Clauses:
- Allowed people to vote only if their grandfather had been eligible before the Civil War.
- Excluded most Black people while allowing many whites to bypass literacy tests and poll taxes.
- Intimidation and Violence:
- Used to further limit Black political participation and representation.
#1.3. Racial Violence and Retaliation
Over 4,000 African Americans were lynched between 1877 and 1950. 💔 </q...
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