What does the term Reconstruction refer to in American history?

The term Reconstruction in American history specifically refers to the political era following the Civil War, which lasted from approximately 1865 to 1877. This period was characterized by significant efforts to address the aftermath of the Civil War and to integrate formerly enslaved people into American society, as well as to rebuild the Southern states that had been devastated by the war.

During Reconstruction, Congress and the federal government implemented various policies and amendments aimed at expanding civil rights, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship rights, and protected voting rights for African American men, respectively. This era was marked by both progress in civil rights and significant resistance from Southern states, leading to a complex legacy that shaped future race relations in the United States.

In contrast, the other options reference different historical contexts, such as post-World War I developments or international relations, which are not related to the specific phase of American Reconstruction following the Civil War.