After the Civil War, slavery was no longer legal in the U.S. Explain how this change impacted Texas's political and economic identity. Answer in 3-5 sentences, and be sure to include examples from the material you read. You should provide one economic effect and one political effect. (4 points)

Answer 1

After the Civil War, the abolition of slavery had a significant impact on Texas's political and economic identity. Politically, this change led to the creation of new legislation and institutions to address the rights and freedoms of formerly enslaved individuals. For example, the Reconstruction Acts of 1867 required the former Confederate states to draft new constitutions guaranteeing civil rights for all citizens, regardless of race. Economically, the end of slavery disrupted the agricultural economy of Texas, as plantations and farms were heavily dependent on free labor. The transition to a wage-based labor system had profound impacts on the state's cotton industry and overall agricultural production.