Why was Reconstruction, to use the title of Michael Fitzgerald’s book, a “splendid failure?”

What was Reconstruction supposed to achieve? Why didn’t it do that? Is the more the fault of the North, or of the South? Give specific examples to back up your answer. Minimum length: 800 words. Maximum length: 1100 words. Length penalties kick in at ±10%. Failure to reference Splendid Failure: Postwar Reconstruction in the American South will result in a -20pt penalty to your grade right off the top. All sources must be properly cited. Your paper must include footnotes as well as a source list, even if you’re just using the Fitzgerald book. Severe penalties will apply if instructions are not followed.