What was the main goal of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War?

The main goal of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War was to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves into society. After the Civil War, the United States faced significant challenges as it sought to unite a nation that had been deeply divided. The Reconstruction policies aimed to address the political, social, and economic issues that arose from the war and the abolition of slavery.

Specifically, Reconstruction focused on various key areas: restoring the Southern states to the Union, providing protection and civil rights for newly freed African Americans, and rebuilding the Southern economy that had been devastated by the war. Legislation such as the Freedmen's Bureau was established to help assist former slaves in their transition to freedom, offering education, legal assistance, and employment support.

Furthermore, amendments to the Constitution were passed during this period, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and secured voting rights for African American men, respectively. These efforts exemplify that the essential objective of Reconstruction was not just about physical rebuilding but also about creating a more equitable society within the United States.