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Analyze The Changes In The New South After The Reconstruction Era

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Analyze The Changes In The New South After The Reconstruction Era
The Southern region went through changes following the Civil War, experiencing two periods: the Reconstruction era and the emergence of the New South. Reconstruction aimed to integrate freed African Americans into society but was cut short by Jim Crow laws and opposition to their autonomy. Economically, the South grappled with challenges, in agriculture, labor shortages, and infrastructure issues. The New South era focused on diversification through investments in railroads, manufacturing, and mining. Faced growing disparities, including discrimination in employment and education as well as ongoing segregation under Democratic Party leadership.

During Reconstruction Abraham Lincoln and Radical Republicans pushed for equality and reconstruction
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Prominent personalities like Ben Tillman advocated for disenfranchising voters while endorsing segregation laws. White Citizen's Boards resorted to intimidating tactics to uphold segregation policies revealing the seated racism prevalent in society during that era. These advancements, similar, to the Populist Party gained support from underserved communities dissatisfied with the established parties. However, their threat to the power structures posed a danger, to landowners and business leaders who employed tactics and intimidation to suppress these movements. Extremists used voter tactics to thwart third-party movements by imposing poll taxes and literacy tests on …show more content…
Southern state legislatures enacted Jim Crow laws following Reconstruction, justifying segregation under the guise of providing "facilities" despite disparities in quality. Economic disparities further perpetuated divides by limiting opportunities, for African Americans.

White politicians, mainly affiliated with the Democratic Party, utilized tactics, like gerrymandering, voter suppression, and disenfranchisement to uphold segregationist policies within state and local governments. These interconnected strategies solidified segregation within society, impacting the lives and opportunities of individuals for generations to come.

During the century Coon songs played a significant role in shaping race relations by depicting African Americans as indolent, foolish, and inferior perpetuating existing prejudices. While popular in regions, these songs marginalized African Americans, normalizing discrimination and violence, against communities while contributing to racial disparities and divisions. They reinforced stereotypes and upheld hierarchies that deepened racial

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