[talleyman]

Could either alone, for example, have pulled of a Manhattan Project or put a man on the Moon?
Probably not.
Regarding your question re: my answer of "better", I believe that blacks in general in the South would have suffered less animosity. Many of the vanquished whites who lived through Reconstruction viewed blacks (unfairly) as symbols and tools of the North's revenge. In reality, the occupying forces had no love for either, and were happy to pit one against the other. Whites and blacks were(and are)inextricably connected in the social fabric of the South, and most likely would have had an easier path to the present without the bitterness engendered by Reconstruction. Who knows?

[Question_Assumptions]

Regarding your question re: my answer of "better", I believe that blacks in general in the South would have suffered less animosity. Many of the vanquished whites who lived through Reconstruction viewed blacks (unfairly) as symbols and tools of the North's revenge. In reality, the occupying forces had no love for either, and were happy to pit one against the other. Whites and blacks were(and are)inextricably connected in the social fabric of the South, and most likely would have had an easier path to the present without the bitterness engendered by Reconstruction. Who knows?

I think Southerners should spend some more time explaining this to Northerners (and blacks) -- why the way the Civil War was handled contributed to racism, despite the obvious benefit that freedom had for slaves. I think it also might help everyone understand why the whole "reparations" argument is bad news and will create many more racism problems than it will solve.