The term "Reconstruction" refers to the rebuilding of the South after the Civil War, encompassing the years from 1865 to 1877.

This era aimed to reintegrate Southern states into the Union and address the profound social, economic, and political changes resulting from the abolition of slavery. Reconstruction involved significant federal legislation, including the Civil Rights Act and the 14th and 15th Amendments, designed to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans. However, the period faced immense challenges, including violent opposition from white supremacist groups and political conflicts, ultimately leading to its controversial end and the rise of Jim Crow laws.