Black Freedman essays

Black Freedman essays The summer of 1865 was a jovial time for slaves, as they were finally granted freedom. Many went to find their families they lost when they came to America, while others stayed on the plantations and continued working for their owners. However, the contentment quickly turned to fear and despair as the freedman realized they didnt have anything or anywhere to go. Everything and nothing had changed, claimed Nash. (496). The former slaves had no money, and no education, the only way of life they knew of was working in these unjust conditions. This marked the beginning of reconstruction, as Johnson came into presidency. He formulated a plan, known as the thirteenth amendment to eradicate slavery, cancel secession, disclaim all debts, and to designate new members of congress. However, congress felt differently about Johnsons goal of reconstruction and checked the situation in the south, they found mistreatment of blacks and total chaos. Despite, the unfair conditions the freedman still ha d hope for their security against the whites that terrorized them, the right to own land, to get an education, and to participate in politics. Reconstruction was an intense time for blacks as they fought for their divine, equal rights in a predominantly white, protestant-controlled world. Even though at the end of reconstruction the freedman did not achieve their foremost objectives, but they still possessed their freedom. Black codes were passed to provide the freedmen with some privileges. For instance, they could marry within their own race, they had the right to testify in court, and to own property. However, the blacks were not allowed to ride railways, own guns or firearms, have alcoholic beverages, be seen at night, and travel in large groups. The blacks began to feel robbed of their liberties. Therefore, commotion immediately followed, such as the race riot that broke out in Memphis when a newspaper publishe ...