Reconstruction (Plans), 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Henry McNeal Turner and Black Legislators, Ku Klux Klan

     The Reconstruction era in Georgia, after the Civil War, lasted from 1865 to 1871. After the Civil War, Georgia was war torn and, in total chaos. Confederate soldiers roamed the land taking (most times stealing) whatever they pleased. The Reconstruction period really pieced Georgia back together starting with the African Americans. Blacks began serving at local, state, and national governmental levels. Blacks also voted in the 1867 election for the first time. Twenty nine blacks came to serve in Georgia's House of Representatives and three held in the Georgian senate seats. There were many pros to Reconstruction, however there were also many cons to balance it out. Many segregated facilities were formed, former enslaved were chained to the stone of poverty, post slaves were uneducated, and blacks were still discriminated against regardless of laws and amendments (this discrimination is inevitable because it still happens today). Also, all the African Americans in the General Assembly were expelled from it in 1868. Luckily they were allowed to reenter into the Supreme Court in 1870. There were more advantages, and disadvantages, to the Reconstruction period that not only affected the African American population, but every Union citizen. Banks started to reopen, dry goods stores, shops, and hotels all started back up, railroads grew around Georgia, new businesses were formed, Savannah and Brunswick became important ports, Atlanta became the Georgia's capital, Atlanta became important again and Georgia even reentered the Union! There were many Reconstruction plans that also accompanied the period. Lincoln wished for the Southern states to have a quick return to the Union, Southerners could be pardoned for their crimes by taking an oath of allegiance (to the Union of course), and when 10% of the voters took the oath, the state could rejoin the Union and create a state government. Furthermore, Johnson agreed with Lincoln's plans, approved the 13th amendment, and nullified ordinances of secession. Lastly, the Congress required ratification of the 14th amendment and placed states under military rule. After the Reconstruction era the United States was not yet one hundred percent, however it was well on the road to getting there. 

     
     After the Civil War, three more amendments were added to the Constitution: the 13th, 14th, and 15th. The thirteenth amendment said, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."This meant that slavery was outlawed throughout the United States for the rest of eternity. The 14th amendment was five sections long, however, to summarize, it stated that citizenship was granted to all freedmen, and everyone had equal protection under the law. It also stated that all former Confederate officials could not hold office. Finally, the fifteenth amendment said, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude--."This amendment allowed all men no matter what their color, race, or background was, could vote. 

     
     From 1867 to 1872, sixty nine African Americans served as state legislators. Henry McNeal Turner was one of the most influential. These black legislators marked the first time in history that blacks had ever participated in Georgian politics. Out of all of these African American politicians, Turner was the best. This was because he was the most successful in organizing the black Republican vote and he convinced many ministers to go into politics. Turner was also a delegate that was part of the Georgia General Assembly, but was removed by Democrats. The Democrats said that since he could not vote, therefore he could not hold office. In return the Federal government got involved, and the black legislators reassumed their positions. 

     
     From 1868 to the early 1870s, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) evolved and operated. This Klan was a secret society hate group, and America's first domestic terrorist group. The members of the KKK were set on destroying the African Americans' right to vote; they ended up destroying most of the blacks rights throughout the South. The Ku Klux Klan was intent on the bringing down of the Republican party, and spreading the idea of white supremacy. The Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1867 in Tennessee, and gathered in circles wearing white robes, covering their heads and bodies. This hate group used violence against Radical Republicans and African Americans. Many people were killed such as white Republican government officials and former enslaved citizens. Many blacks were lynched (publicly hung) whites assassinated, and black women raped. Luckily, this group was put to an end in 1872. There are still many hate groups out there, just remember that each and every group like that is horribly wrong, and nothing but a band of savages. 

Sources:

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2533

http://www.ourgeorgiahistory.com/history101/gahistory08.html

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/congressional?s=thttp://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/document.html?doc=9&title.raw=13th%20Amendment%20to%20the%20U.S.%20Constitution:%20Abolition%20of%20Slavery

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_amendments_11-27.html

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-635

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-694

http://whgbetc.com/mind/reconstruction_congress.jpg

http://www.nps.gov/resources/customcf/story/Reconstruction_teaser.jpg

http://mrcapwebpage.com/VCSUSHISTORY/civilwaramendments.jpg

http://www.kingtisdell.org/Turner.jpg

http://img.tfd.com/WEAL/weal_06_img1143.jpg