Answer:
The author describes reconstruction as a period of difficulties and adaptation, not only for blacks, but for the entire population.
Explanation:
The author shows that the period of reconstruction in the south was an adaptive period, since the emancipation of slaves was a strong change in society. This is because, slaves were not part of social life. When they were released, they had to adapt to this life as a citizen they did not know, whereas in the meantime, whites had to adapt to seeing ex-slaves as part of society. This was not done in an easy way, making reconstruction a period of many difficulties, especially for blacks who experienced severe discrimination and racism.
