So close you can almost taste it! In short, this may have been the initial sentiment of the African American people on the topic of freedom between two of the most critical periods in the history of the race. Reconstruction, known as the post-Civil War period, consisted of three major initiatives: restoration of the Union, transformation of Southern society, and passage of progressive legislation supporting the rights of freed slaves. This period, without a doubt, provided countless changes and advancements in the fight for the rights of African Americans, but it was interrupted a little too much by the presidential election of 1876. This election ushered in what would soon become known as the period of Redemption. This was believed to be the period in African American history that would become known as the beginning of a century of racism and discrimination. How is it possible that what many would consider a complete turn for the worse in such a short space of time? Does the occurrence of the Redemption period classify Reconstruction as a failure? Although the period of Redemption existed, the contributions of Reconstruction should not go unnoticed for all they helped accomplish. This period should not be recognized as a failure, but rather as a step forward towards the freedom sought for over a century. Something I personally agree is truly a success. Honest Abe is the person most people credit with starting the Reconstruction period. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and ultimately accomplished the task of abolition. In 1863 Lincoln introduced the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, a plan to reunite the once united state... halfway through the document... the claims were in fact invalid. This period of extreme racism and discrimination begun by the Redemption would continue for nearly a century. So I ask again: Was the Reconstruction period a failure? In personal opinion it wasn't a complete failure, but it undeniably could have been better. Reconstruction was a success because it re-established the United States as a unified nation: all the former Confederate states had prepared new constitutions, recognized the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, and swore allegiance to the United States government. While this is the case, it ended with many of its goals still unfulfilled. Northerners were tired of Reconstruction, the radicals, and the fight for black rights that allowed the Redemption period to exist. Just like that, the freedom that was so close he could taste it was snatched away from him.