During Reconstruction, southern governments
A) Extended access to free public schools to African Americans.
B) Shut down public schools to avoid having to teach African Americans.
C) Responded to blacks' constitutional right to education with segregation laws.
D) Began to overtake northern states with their investment in public education.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During Reconstruction, southern governments extended access to free public schools to African Americans. This was due in part to the requirements of the Reconstruction Acts and the 1868 Constitution of Alabama, which mandated that the state provide public education for both black and white students. However, the quality of education for African Americans was often far below the standards set for white students, and segregationist policies such as "separate but equal" were implemented to restrict black students' access to educational opportunities.

During Reconstruction, Southern Governments