<P> Historian Donald R. Shaffer maintained that the gains during Reconstruction for African Americans were not entirely extinguished . The legalization of African - American marriages and families and the independence of black churches from white denominations were a source of strength during the Jim Crow era . Reconstruction was never forgotten within the black community and it remained a source of inspiration . The system of sharecropping granted blacks a considerable amount of freedom as compared to slavery . </P> <P> However, in 2014 historian Mark Summers argues that the "failure" question should be looked at from the viewpoint of the war goals; in that case, he argues: </P> <P> If we see Reconstruction's purpose as making sure that the main goals of the war would be fulfilled, of a Union held together forever, of a North and South able to work together, of slavery extirpated, and sectional rivalries confined, of the permanent banishment of the fear of vaunting appeals to state sovereignty, backed by armed force, then Reconstruction looks like what in that respect it was, a lasting and unappreciated success . </P> <P> The journalist Joel Chandler Harris, writing as "Joe Harris" for the Atlanta Constitution (mostly after Reconstruction), tried to advance racial and sectional reconciliation in the late 19th century . He supported Henry Grady's vision of a New South during Grady's time as editor from 1880 to 1889 . Harris wrote many editorials encouraging southern acceptance of the changed conditions and some Northern influence, although he also asserted his belief that it should proceed under white supremacy . </P>

Who took charge of reconstructing the south after the civil war