Comparing Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Era: A Closer Look at their Similarities and Differences

The Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Era share a common thread in their aim to guarantee the rights of former slaves and African Americans, but their strategies and outcomes differ significantly. Both periods were marked by resistance from southern racists who were unwilling to accept the loss of their control and political influence. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) played a prominent role in intimidating and terrorizing those who dared to claim their rights, often using threats and violence, sometimes leading to lynchings and other forms of torture and death. Moreover, these southern racists later found refuge in the Republican Party, influenced by Nixon's Southern Strategy, thereby continuing their legacy of racism and discrimination.

Similarities

The most obvious shared goal between Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Era was the improvement in the legal treatment of African Americans. However, the scope of their actions was vast, with both seeking to repudiate slavery and provide legal rights. In theoretical terms, this was a success, but in practical terms, it fell short due to a lack of enforcement mechanisms. Both periods aimed to tear down the Southern society that had driven secession and punish the South. They both focused on one race, former slaves, during Reconstruction, while the Civil Rights Era went beyond this to advocate for equal treatment for all races.

Differences in Implementation and Impact

One critical difference lies in the implementation and impact of their respective policies. During Reconstruction, many laws aimed at protecting the rights of former slaves were passed, but enforcement was insufficient. The Justice Department relied on the army to enforce these policies, but this strict adherence to military compliance led to a facade of progress that masked the deeper issues. Once military power was removed, the reality of the situation became clear: although legally free, African Americans continued to be treated as second-class citizens and were not considered or treated equally in either the North or the South.

The Civil Rights Movement, on the other hand, adopted a more tactical approach. Its focus was on driving equal treatment across the board, both by the federal government and through social engineering. Unlike Reconstruction, which primarily focused on the South, the Civil Rights Movement had a broader scope, addressing discrimination and inequality nationwide. This movement went beyond merely enforcing the law and into social reform, something that even the most radical abolitionists would have supported. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 provided the legal backing and enforcement mechanisms that were lacking during Reconstruction.

Legacy and Continued Racism

While both Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Era sought to address and correct the injustices faced by African Americans, the legacy of racism continues. Many former southern Democrats found their way into the Republican Party, thanks to Nixon's Southern Strategy. The Republican Party has since been influenced by conservative racial sentiments, and while they may criticize the past actions of southern Democrats, they fail to acknowledge their role in bringing these racists back into power through their strategic efforts.

The Republicans often downplay or omit these facts, suggesting that people are too naive to make the connection, because admitting to their connection to the racism of the past would tarnish their image. This selective memory exhibits a pattern where historical facts are only shared selectively, often omitting critical information that could provide a more nuanced understanding of the past and present.

Understanding the similarities and differences between Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Era is crucial for addressing and combating racism in the present. By examining these periods more closely, we can better understand the complex history of racial inequality and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.