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Should Reconstruction have been harsher on the former Confederacy?
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Selected thesis
Reconstruction (1865–1877) should have been harsher on the former Confederacy.
Pros
Cons
Pro claim 1
Ending the Reconstruction era prematurely led to horrific human rights violations against Black Americans.
Pro claim 2
It was wrong to let former Confederate leaders stay in positions of power.
Con claim 1
Harsher Reconstruction policies would have prolonged the South's economic recovery.
Con claim 2
Forgiveness was a better path to reconciliation with the former Confederacy.