A Premature American Reconciliation

null Jan. 2, 2024 3:15 pm ETTravis Reed wonders if the spirit of reconciliation of 1872, which conferred amnesty on Confederate rebels, can be resurrected for 2023, presumably to forgive Donald Trump’s insurrectionist transgression (Letters, Dec. 29). The amnesty of 1872, however, was followed by the end of reconstruction in 1876, upon the withdrawal of the Union military occupation from the South. There followed a war of white southerners on African-Americans, with attendant lynchings, followed by the establishment of the Jim Crow system.The amnesty of 1872 was obviously premature. That is the lesson for 2023. Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8Sponsored OffersWalmart: $20 Off Walmart Promo Code - Any $50+ OrderAmerican Eagle Outfitters: Get a coupon for up to 25% extra discount at AE*ASOS: ASOS Promo Code: 25% OffMichaels: Michaels coupon - Grab 40% off 1 itemKohl's: Get 35% Off First Kohl's Card PurchaseMichael Kors: Micha

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Jan. 2, 2024 3:15 pm ET

Travis Reed wonders if the spirit of reconciliation of 1872, which conferred amnesty on Confederate rebels, can be resurrected for 2023, presumably to forgive Donald Trump’s insurrectionist transgression (Letters, Dec. 29). The amnesty of 1872, however, was followed by the end of reconstruction in 1876, upon the withdrawal of the Union military occupation from the South. There followed a war of white southerners on African-Americans, with attendant lynchings, followed by the establishment of the Jim Crow system.

The amnesty of 1872 was obviously premature. That is the lesson for 2023.