The Reconstruction Rea after civil war.

Consider the readings on Reconstruction. Why does Reconstruction matter? How did African American life flourish during Reconstruction (Pay close attention to change over time within this period), and how did that change with the violent overthrowing of Reconstruction? Why, then, is understanding Reconstruction so important to understanding U.S. history? Please answer these questions using examples from the Foner and Roberts secondary sources, and Frederick Douglass' primary source.