What were the social and economic consequences for African Americans in Southern states in the aftermath of the American Civil War?

The social and economic consequences for African Americans in Southern states after the conclusion of the American Civil War in 1865 were varied. On one hand, white plantation (and slave) owners lost their slaves as a result of the Civil War, but did not necessarily lose their land. Thus they were able to maintain their authority (and their social and economic superiority) which in turn meant that many African Americans were forced back into hard labour under contract. Moreover, many of the rights they were awarded de jure were subverted by the Black Codes or the Klu Klux Klan.

Nevertheless, some changes after the Civil war were positive for African Americans. The South's defeat in the Civil War (and the abolition of slavery) ultimately lead to a downturn in one of its principal exports - cotton. This limited the power of plantation owners who were not as prosperous as they had been previously. Moreover, Southern states had to accept constitutional changes before readmittance to the Union, which meant the acceptance of new rights for African Americans. Also, there was an upturn of African American activity in public life - they were able to set up schools, businesses, newspapers and churches. On top of this, African Americans began to be elected to political office in the Southern states.