How did self serving individuals hurt the Reconstruction effort?

Self-serving individuals during the Reconstruction era often prioritized personal gain over the collective goals of rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. Corruption and exploitation flourished, as some politicians and business leaders engaged in practices that undermined economic recovery and civil rights advancements. This self-interest fostered divisions and resentment, ultimately hindering progress and perpetuating racial tensions, making it difficult to achieve lasting reforms. Consequently, their actions contributed to the eventual decline of Reconstruction efforts and the entrenchment of discriminatory policies.