The Reconstruction Era (1865-1877) was a crucial time in American history. It changed how different races interacted and set the stage for civil rights in the years that followed.

1. New Laws:

• The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) ended slavery.
• The Fourteenth Amendment (1868) made anyone born in the U.S. a citizen, including former enslaved people.
• The Fifteenth Amendment (1870) said that no one could be denied the right to vote because of their race.

2. Creation of Schools for Black Children:

• By 1870, about 3,000 schools for Black children had opened, helping over 150,000 students get an education.
• The Freedmen's Bureau was important during this time. It provided education, healthcare, and help finding jobs.

3. Voting Rights:

• During Reconstruction, Black men were allowed to vote. In the South, more than 90% of eligible Black voters took part in elections.
• By the end of this period, 16 Black men had served in the U.S. Congress.

4. Rise of Segregation:

• Even though there was progress, many Southern states created laws called Black Codes and later Jim Crow laws. These laws set up segregation and took away the rights of Black people.
• By 1900, about 75% of Black men in the South could not vote because of tough requirements like literacy tests and poll taxes.

5. Lasting Effects:

• The issues that came up during Reconstruction helped create deep-rooted racism that lasted well into the 20th century.
• Important events, like the Civil Rights Movement, were responses to the unfair treatment that started during Reconstruction.

In conclusion, the Reconstruction Era was a complicated time that pushed for racial equality. Its impacts would shape American society for many years to come.