What is Reconstruction and how long did it last?

Reconstruction was a period in American history following the Civil War, lasting from 1865 to 1877, aimed at rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved African Americans into society. It involved significant political, social, and economic changes, including the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which granted freedom and civil rights to African Americans. The era witnessed both progress and resistance, ultimately ending with the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and the establishment of Jim Crow laws.