Reparations and the Civil War Myth What We Must Acknowledge About True Justice

The story of the Civil War is often presented as a simple conflict between freedom and oppression. While it is undeniable that the war aimed to end the horrific practice of slavery, it is crucial to recognize a significant truth: the conflict did not provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved individuals. Ending slavery does not equate to restoring stolen rights, labor, land, and dignity.

Reparations Require Repair

After the Civil War, the long-promised reparations largely vanished. The federal government neglected the very individuals whose labor had built the nation. The phrase “forty acres and a mule” serves as a grim reminder of unfulfilled promises. In 1865, General William Tecumseh Sherman issued Special Field Orders No. 15, which initially aimed to distribute land to freed families. However, this promise faded, leaving many hopeful individuals empty-handed.

Instead of empowering the newly freed population, Freedmen’s schools received little financial support. In 1869, only about 1-in-3 freed children attended school, leaving a significant gap in education. Meanwhile, Southern landowners, who profited immensely from the oppression of Black Americans, held onto their wealth and, in many cases, were even compensated for their "losses."

The end of slavery did not translate into a stop to economic hardship for millions of newly freed Americans. For many, the struggle for social and economic equity continued unabated.

The Systemic Barriers Persist

The immediate aftermath of the Civil War did little to resolve the ongoing challenges faced by Black Americans. Sharecropping emerged as a new form of exploitation. In the late 1800s, approximately 75% of Black farmers found themselves in sharecropping agreements, leading to cycles of debt and dependence.

The Homestead Act, intended to promote land ownership, largely excluded Black families. Reports suggest that less than 1% of the 250 million acres available under the act went to Black farmers, pushing them further to the margins of society. Enforced through Jim Crow laws, voting rights were systematically stripped away. Black Codes and practices such as convict leasing only tightened the grip of poverty and disenfranchisement, demonstrating that simply declaring freedom did not suffice.

A Glimpse Into the 20th Century

As we moved into the 20th century, Black Americans encountered further barriers that hindered financial success. The GI Bill, designed to assist returning veterans, largely excluded Black servicemen, denying them the opportunity to build wealth through education and home ownership. Simultaneously, redlining policies discriminated against Black families, preventing them from accessing favorable loans, thereby perpetuating economic inequality.

Consequently, the wealth gap between Black and White Americans grew increasingly large—research shows that in 2019, White households held nearly seven times more wealth than Black households. Systemic barriers, rooted in policies around policing and criminal justice, continued to maintain the status quo, limiting Black Americans' social and economic advancement.

Understanding Freedom's Limitations

When faced with dismissive arguments about the need for reparations, it's important to emphasize three key points:

• Freedom without financial independence is merely a form of vulnerability. Without wealth, freedom can feel empty.

• Freedom without land creates dependence. Land ownership is crucial for economic independence, yet many Black families are still shut out from owning property.

  
  

• Freedom disconnected from justice is just a phrase. True justice involves addressing historical wrongs and ensuring fair treatment, which remains an unrealized aspiration for many.

  
  

Highlighting these points is essential for unraveling the myths surrounding the Civil War and advocating for reparations with clarity and urgency.

A Collective Call to Action

This is the purpose behind “The Receipts” series. It uncovers truths obscured by centuries of distorted narratives and emphasizes the historical injustices that shape our current social fabric.

If this discussion has resonated with you, please share it. By participating in this movement and educating those around us, we foster a collective awareness of the truths that must be acknowledged and addressed.

The narrative has been skewed for too long. If falsehoods are widely accepted, then the truth must resonate even louder.

Let’s keep these important conversations going and strive for real change. By raising awareness about reparations, we can help build a more equitable society. Through discussion, education, and actionable involvement, we can address the longstanding injustices that have persisted for generations. Only then can we inch closer to true justice for all.