The end of the Civil War in 1865 brought hope to millions of formerly enslaved African Americans, promising liberty and the chance to build new lives. However, the promise of freedom was quickly undermined. As Reconstruction faded, a new system of racial oppression—Jim Crow—emerged, stripping away hard-won rights through laws, violence, and intimidation. This transition from slavery to segregation not only codified inequality but also left a legacy that continues to shape American society. For more context, see The Smithsonian’s Slavery and Emancipation.
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