It gave them not only freedom from slavery, it also brought a right to vote, and for the first time in American history former slaves have got a voice and right to serve in government. Freed people won the elections and held the offices. For instance, African American were chosen as United states Senator from Mississippi, and it was important achievement of Reconstruction. Former passive victims of slaveholders, African Americans became active participants in social and political life of the country and in shaping the …show more content…
Reconstruction ended when the country fell into economic depression in 1870s. Politicians focused on the strengthening of economics rather than on rights of blacks. At that time most of the Reconstruction promises and ideas was not met. Almost all blacks lost their offices, they were eliminated from participation in political processes, they suffered from employment, housing, educational, and other kinds of social discrimination. They could not even vote till the middle of twentieth century. Nevertheless, reconstruction had significant meaning for African Americans. It was not ended up with great success, but it gave black people the understanding of freedom and great hope for new