The Reconstruction Era following the Civil War presented numerous challenges, including the integration of millions of newly freed African Americans into society and addressing the economic devastation in the South. The political climate was fraught, as Southern states resisted changes to the social order, leading to violent backlash against Reconstruction policies. The Freedmen’s Bureau aimed to assist formerly enslaved individuals but faced significant opposition. Additionally, the introduction of Black Codes sought to limit the rights of African Americans, creating tension between federal authorities and Southern states. As the period progressed, the failure to ensure lasting protections for African Americans led to systemic inequalities and racial tensions that persisted for generations.