[azhenfud]

".... providing the means for readmitting them into the Union,"

But according to Abraham St. Lincoln, the South couldn't secede, so they could have never "left".

[billbears]

The Reconstruction implemented by Congress, which lasted from 1866 to 1877, was aimed at reorganizing the Southern states after the Civil War, providing the means for readmitting them into the Union

So that's what the union government calls it is it? I'm sure I could find writings from my ancestors that didn't see it as 'the means' for readmission. Pillage, complete destruction, and breakdown of society at the hands of 'benevolent' military governors. Hmmm....oh wait

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/aaohtml/exhibit/aopart5.html

That explains it.