The Beginning of a New Nation Southern Reconstruction...

Following the Civil War, life in the south was dramatically changed. America faced an arduous task of rebuilding the devastated economy and social infrastructure in former Confederate states. This new movement was known as the Reconstruction era, and it was responsible for the emergence of a multifaceted industrialization of manufactured goods and transportation networks. In the book, Steel Drivin’ Man, Scott Reynolds Nelson conveys the intensity of political debate during the Reconstruction era. The conflict revolved around the role of the federal government in domestic affairs as well as the status of recently freed African-American slaves. This period marked the emergence of John Henry, a former African-American slave that became a†¦show more content†¦Both the Radicals and the Moderates believed in punishing the South for secession and rebuilding it in the North’s image. However, the biggest concern of reconstruction was enfranchising the freed blacks into the country’s social structure. Furthermore, after Lincoln’s death, Andrew Johnson became the new President of the United States in time to spearhead the efforts of southern reconstruction. However, his excessive leniency towards the south allowed for the creation of discriminatory Black Codes, therefore, restricting the freedoms of former slaves. This legislation victimized blacks almost as severely as they were during slavery. This was due to the South having little or no fear for the authoritative figure that Johnson represented as a result of his leniency. Consequently, Nelson connected this aspect of history to John Henry’s ultimate demise. Under Virginia’s Black Codes, John Henry was convicted of petty theft and sentenced to 10 years in prison. In prison, he was leased to work on the construction of the Chesapeake Ohio railway through the mountains of western Virginia. Working side by side with the steam-powered drills, Henry died from silicosis as a result of inhaling the rock dust gene rated by the steam drills. Aside from political turmoil, life in the south had changed as a result of the southern reconstruction. The most significant change was found in the social order. The existence of slavery helped establish aShow MoreRelatedThe Reconciliation of the North and South after the Civil War1186 Words   |  5 PagesUnited States on August 20th, 1865, the Civil War was formally ended. Though the Confederates had been dominated, there was still a battle to preserve the Southern lifestyle against the impeding Northern republican ideals. President Lincoln had plans to peacefully restore the country to the Union it was prior to the war, but his assassination created set-backs to his plan. 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