What was the purpose of Reconstruction after the Civil War?

The purpose of Reconstruction after the Civil War was primarily to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. This period, which lasted from 1865 to 1877, was marked by significant efforts to re-establish the southern states that had seceded, address the deep social and economic divisions caused by the Civil War, and ensure that the newly freed African Americans could participate fully in American civic life.

Reconstruction aimed to create a more equitable society by providing formerly enslaved individuals with rights and opportunities, such as access to education, the right to vote, and the ability to seek employment. The federal government implemented various policies and legislation, including the Freedmen's Bureau, which aimed to assist former slaves in transitioning to freedom.

The other possibilities—punishing Southern states, establishing a new governmental framework, and expanding the Union westward—may have elements that relate to some of the challenges or political goals during Reconstruction, but they do not effectively capture the core aim of the Reconstruction era, which was focused on healing the nation, reconstruction of war-torn areas, and integration of all citizens into the societal fabric.