W.E.B. Dubois described Reconstruction as a “splendid failure.”

    Using Franklin, Foner, and relevant lecture notes answer the following: 1. W.E.B. Dubois described Reconstruction as a “splendid failure.” In your informed and educated opinion, was Reconstruction more of a success or failure? Your essay should not refer to experiences, people, or events after 1900. Your essay must first describe and summarize Reconstruction (economic, political, and social) and then take a position and argue why reconstruction was either more of a success or more of a failure. You need to think about how Reconstruction affected the lives of the formerly enslaved, and their descendants, and the nation. There is no single correct answer to this question; scholars are still debating the issue. You will be evaluated on your ability to put together a persuasive and logical argument based on SOUND historical evidence.