Was Reconstruction a "Splendid Failure"?

I agree with the yes position. This position realizes that the reconstruction era was difficult, but also realizes the good that came along with it. The Southerners had a hard time getting back into the Union and had to agree to terms they didn't like. The newly freedmen had difficulty with the new political power they had attained.

Reconstruction took longer than if Lincoln would have been there, but reconstruction still happened. The Union was saved, it took awhile, but it happened. Yes, the blacks were still treated poorly, but it was a foot in the door. They had a foot hold, they received their freedom. They were also given citizenship and everything that came along with it. For example the right to vote, own property and right to happiness.