Editing Reconstruction era (section)

===Historiographical Interpretations===
Historians have long debated the legacy of the Reconstruction era, with interpretations evolving significantly over time. One of the most influential and contested narratives was advanced by the Dunning school, which characterized Reconstruction as a misguided experiment that led to widespread corruption and social disorder. This view marginalized the experiences and achievements of African Americans during Reconstruction and perpetuated myths of white Southern victimhood. Contemporary scholars, including Hannah Rosen, have challenged these interpretations by emphasizing the era's transformative potential and highlighting the efforts of freedmen and their allies to establish civil rights and social equality.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pierce |first=Jennifer L. |date=2014 |editor-last=Morning |editor-first=Ann |title=Why Teaching About Race as a Social Construct Still Matters |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43653942 |journal=Sociological Forum |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=259–264 |doi=10.1111/socf.12079 |jstor=43653942 |issn=0884-8971}}</ref> Rosen argues that understanding Reconstruction requires acknowledging both its profound advancements in racial justice and the systemic backlash that sought to undermine them. This historiographical shift has underscored the importance of accurate and inclusive narratives, illustrating how public memory has been shaped by political and cultural forces, and how these narratives continue to influence contemporary discussions on race and justice.