What was the primary focus of Reconstruction after the Civil War?

The primary focus of Reconstruction after the Civil War was rebuilding the South and integrating freed slaves into society. This period, which lasted from 1865 to 1877, was marked by significant efforts to address the social, political, and economic challenges posed by the end of slavery and the devastation of the Southern states due to the war.

Reconstruction aimed to restore the Southern states to the Union, rebuild their economies, and ensure that formerly enslaved individuals could participate fully in society. This included establishing laws and policies to protect the rights of freed people, such as the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the 14th and 15th Amendments, which aimed to grant citizenship and voting rights to African Americans. Efforts such as the Freedmen's Bureau were also implemented to assist freed slaves and poor whites in the South by providing food, education, and medical care.

This period was marked by significant tensions and conflicts over civil rights and the social order in the South, as many white southerners resisted these changes. The focus on rebuilding the South and integrating freed slaves highlighted the complexities of American society during this transformative time.