Reconstruction: The Struggle for Freedom and the Bargain of 1877

CrashCourse

This installment of Crash Course US History explores the tumultuous period of Reconstruction (1865-1877) following the American Civil War. Host John Green examines the competing visions for rebuilding the nation held by President Andrew Johnson and the Radical Republicans in Congress. The video details the significant legislative achievements of the era, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, while contrasting these legal victories with the harsh economic reality of sharecropping that replaced slavery in the South. The narrative delves into the social and political upheavals of the time, highlighting the brief period of African American political participation and the subsequent violent backlash from white supremacist groups like the KKK. It addresses the "myths" of Reconstruction often perpetuated by popular culture, such as the film *Gone with the Wind*, and corrects misconceptions about corruption and governance during this era. Special attention is given to the Black Codes and the struggle for genuine economic independence among freed people. Teachers can use this video to help students understand the complexities of post-war peace, the origins of Jim Crow laws, and the critical role of the federal government in protecting civil rights. The video concludes with an in-depth look at the Election of 1876 and the "Bargain of 1877," which effectively ended Reconstruction, offering a springboard for discussions about the Electoral College, political compromise, and the long-term legacy of this incomplete revolution.