Terrorism: Past and Present

For an entire decade following the civil war violence continued and massacres (Camilla, Colfax, etc) were tragic occurrences. Terrorism persisted in the south during a period branded "reconstruction."

Like George W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln had higher hopes for reconstruction: peace, rebuilding, and the end of oppression. However, the south was overwhelmed by the loss of 260,000 fathers, husbands and brothers. The civil war crippled the south and thousands were starving, homeless and without jobs. There was a feeling of despair and the country remained divided.

Violence extended towards some Republicans and a few were targeted for assassination. Why?

Republicans supported freeing the slaves, they advocated for their rights, and they sought to give them the recognition they deserved as equals. Many Republicans were seen as "radicals" for doing so.

Related information: The New Orleans Riot of 1866 where 37 people (34 African Americans & 3 Caucasions) were killed and over 145 were wounded.

During this time and throughout reconstruction many wondered if the civil war was really over and if reconstruction was failing.

Sound familiar?

Rebuilding takes time - a long time - and sadly, many people lack patience and resolve; they want a quick fix and that's unrealistic.

Debates may rage on whether the war in Iraq was just, but arguing the issue doesn't help in the present and now that we're there, we need to see it through.