Take our Reconstruction era quiz to explore one of the most revolutionary yet tragically brief periods in American history. Between 1865 and 1877 Black Americans achieved something unprecedented: structural political power in several Southern states. In at least one Southern state, Black voters elected a legislative majority. What impact did this legislative majority have on state governance and public policy, and civil rights? What landmark restructuring of American society occur during this period?
Reconstruction Era Quiz Questions
Why did this revolutionary transformation of American society not last? What developments in American history by groups of people changes this period? When did this consequential chapter of American history come to an end? And how did this experiment end. Who benefited, and who lost? What happened t Black people during this time? This post Civil War quiz will help you learn abot this important period in American history. Which US presidents governed during this time? Are there important lessons to be learned from this Reconstruction era? Did African Americans achieve any rights or power t this time? Understanding Reconstruction is essential to grasping the long struggle for Black political empowerment in America. Test your knowledge of the structural changes, the leaders, the legislative victories or defeats, and the tragic end of this era. How well do you know the period that was so promising yet left a legacy that still shapes American democracy today?
Results
#1. Which constitutional amendment ended slavery in the United States?
Ratified in 1865 the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for crime throughout the United States.
#2. What did the 14th Amendment establish?
The 14th Amendment extended citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guaranteed equal protection under the laws.
#3. In which Southern state did Black voters elect a majority of state legislators during Reconstruction?
Black voters in South Carolina elected a legislative majority that rewrote the state constitution expanded public education and passed civil rights laws.
#4. When did the Reconstruction era officially end?
Reconstruction ended in 1877 with the Compromise of 1877 which removed federal troops from the South and allowed white supremacists to regain power.
#5. What were the governments that violently dismantled Black political power after Reconstruction called?
Redemption governments used violence intimidation and legal schemes to strip Black citizens of their voting rights and political power.
#6. Which amendment prohibited states from denying voting rights based on race?
The 15th Amendment ratified in 1870 prohibited states from denying the right to vote on account of race color or previous condition of servitude.
#7. What happened to Black legislative majorities after Reconstruction ended?
The brief period of Black political power during Reconstruction was destroyed through violence and would not be restored for nearly a century.
#8. Who became president after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865?
Andrew Johnson became the 17th president and infamously opposed Black political rights claiming that Black people showed less capacity for government than any other race.
#9. During Reconstruction Black legislators in South Carolina passed laws that did what?
Black legislators used their power to expand public education abolish racial property requirements and advance civil rights during this brief period of majority control.
#10. Why is Reconstruction considered a revolutionary period for Black political power?
During Reconstruction Black Americans briefly held structural political power in several Southern states something that would not happen again for over a century.
About The Author
