Jodi K. answered • 05/31/22
Certified MS/HS Teacher; Experienced College Literature Tutor
The legacy of Reconstruction as a whole is still debated today, so "fairness" is tainted by what information is accessible to you. A few things to remember as you chose your response-
One, the common mindset during the 1800s was free people, in a free society, had both the opportunity and responsibility to provide for themselves. While abolitionists still rallied for black American political rights, there was little to no economic aid.
On a positive note, emancipated black Americans created churches (Negro Baptist and African Methodist Episcopal), established black schools/ colleges (Howard Atlanta), and helped pass legislation to ensure political rights (Civil Rights Act 1866, 14th Amendment, and 15th Amendment).
However, they also faced prejudice, the KKK, and sharecropping which kept them financially dependent on plantations.
