Question 78

The election of more than a dozen African Americans to the United States House of Representatives from Southern states occurred as a result of Reconstruction.

During the Reconstruction era, significant political gains were made by African Americans, including the election of numerous representatives to Congress, which marked a historic shift in American politics.

A) The first African American earning a doctorate at Harvard University

This statement refers to the achievements of individuals like W.E.B. Du Bois, who earned his doctorate in 1895, which was after the Reconstruction period. Thus, it does not directly relate to the outcomes of Reconstruction.

B) Land redistribution that resulted in 80 percent of formerly enslaved people owning land

While land redistribution was a goal of Reconstruction, it largely failed to materialize on a large scale, and the majority of formerly enslaved people did not end up owning land. Therefore, this option inaccurately represents the outcomes of that period.

C) The passage of a federal antilynching law

Although the issue of lynching was prominent during and after Reconstruction, a federal antilynching law was not passed until much later, well into the 20th century. Consequently, this option does not accurately reflect the results of Reconstruction.

D) The desegregation of public schools

Desegregation of public schools did not occur as a result of Reconstruction; rather, it took place many years later, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. This option misrepresents the immediate outcomes of the Reconstruction era.

E) Election of more than a dozen African Americans to the United States House of Representatives from Southern states

This option accurately reflects a significant achievement during Reconstruction, as many African Americans were elected to Congress, which was a direct consequence of the political changes enacted during that time.

Conclusion

The election of more than a dozen African Americans to the United States House of Representatives is a definitive outcome of Reconstruction, demonstrating the political empowerment of African Americans during this transformative period. In contrast, the other options either misrepresent the historical context or refer to events that occurred outside the Reconstruction era, thereby confirming that E is the correct choice.