American Masters

A brief history of Reconstruction

Season 40 Episode 4 | 2m 32s

From 1866-1877, Reconstruction marked a brief era of interracial democracy, with Black Americans holding office and expanding education and public policy. Supported by efforts like the Freedmen’s Bureau, these gains were met with white backlash, leading to a rollback of rights. This was a lost opportunity that W.E.B. Du Bois viewed as pivotal.

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