 
Tennessee is the first of many Southern states to establish an all white, Democratic "Redeemer" government sympathetic to the cause of the former Confederacy and against racial equality.
1869
In Texas v. White, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that secession is illegal. Following this decision, Congress restores republican government in Texas.
1869
The first black American diplomat is elected as minister to Haiti.
1870
The fifteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, securing the right to vote for black adult males.
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1870
Congress passes the First Enforcement Act to protect the rights of African Americans.
1870
Joseph Hayne Rainey is the first black elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Hiram Revels is the first black elected to the U.S. Senate.
1870
For the first time, African Americans are listed by name in a U.S. census.
1870
Whites in Virginia and North Carolina vote in "Redeemer" governments.
1870
Although still unreconstructed, Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas are readmitted to the Union and are permitted to have representatives in Congress.
1870
Georgia is readmitted to the Union.
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