1. The abolition of slavery : The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in December 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
2. The establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau: Created by Congress in 1865, the Bureau provided food, clothing, medical care, education, and other assistance to freed slaves and refugees during the war and during Reconstruction.
3. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 : The Civil Rights Act of 1866 overturned the Black Codes, and granted citizenship to all people born in the United States, regardless of race.
4. The ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment: Ratified in 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment extended citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, including freed slaves, and guaranteed all citizens equal protection under the law.
5. The ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment: Ratified in 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race.
6. The establishment of public education systems in the South: Many southern states established public education systems during Reconstruction, providing education to both black and white children.
7. The election of African Americans to public office: During Reconstruction, African Americans were elected to public office at the local, state, and federal levels. Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce became the first African American members of the U.S. Senate.
8. The establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded during Reconstruction, including Howard University, Hampton Institute, and Morehouse College, these institutions provided higher education opportunities for African Americans.